Chiefs duo named in Under-20s squad

Exeter Chiefs duo Joe Simmonds and Billy Keast have both been named in the England Under-20s side to kick-off the defence of their Six Nations title in Glasgow on Friday (8pm).

Fly-half Simmonds will start the fixture at the Broadwood Stadium, while prop Keast - who toured with the U18s to South Africa last summer - is named among the replacements.

Jack Walker will captain the team for the first time and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brother Chris, who led the age group to victory in 2012 when they retained the Championship.

It was against Scotland two years ago that the hooker from Yorkshire Carnegie, aged 17, became the second youngest player to make an U20s debut behind Exeter's Luke Cowan-Dickie.

Walker and George Perkins were the only players involved in last year’s 26-11 victory over Scotland at Mowdan Park. However, Tom West, Josh Bainbridge and Joe Marchant all featured in the successful Six Nations campaign, together with Charlie Thacker who starts at inside centre after being called into camp this week.

Head Coach Jon Callard said: “The players have trained really well this week, they work hard for each other, and I’m encouraged with where we are at. Credit goes to all the coaches for the progress that this group has made.

“The first game of any Championship is always tough, especially playing away in Scotland, but the players are excited about getting started.

“We’re looking for them to use this competition to continue developing their all-round game. For example, we want functionally fit forwards who, as well as having a strong set piece, are ball handlers and good decision makers right across the field. You can always come back to a tighter game but we want players to see this as an opportunity to express themselves and enjoy playing for their country.”

England U20 to play Scotland U20:

15. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
14. Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
13. Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
12. Charlie Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
11. George Perkins (Saracens)
10. Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)
1. Tom West (Wasps)
2. Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
3. Will Stuart (Wasps)
4. Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
5. Stan South (Harlequins)
6. Archie White (Harlequins)
7. Josh Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)

Replacements:
16. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
17. Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
18. Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
20. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
21. Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
22. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
23. Taylor Prell (Yorkshire Carnegie)