Chiefs Coaches Proud of England U20s Rising Stars

As six Exeter Chiefs have been included in the opening two rounds of action for England U20s in their 2025 Six Nations campaign, the Chiefs coaching staff are proud to have internationally recognised players paving the way for the future of the club.

A gritty performance in Cork in round one earned a win over a strong Irish side before a dominant second half secured a second win against Les Bleus at the Recreation Ground.

There have been six Chiefs players included in matches so far: fly-half Ben Coen, back row Kane James, hooker Louie Gulley, centre Nic Allison, centre Nick Lilley and lock Oscar Beckerleg while wing Campbell Ridl has also trained with the squad.

Chiefs coaches have been keeping a close eye on the development of their young players.

“Four of us – myself, Ross McMillan, Haydn Thomas and Rich Hodges – went to the game at The Rec on Friday and we had a great evening,” Chiefs Forwards Coach, Rob Hunter, said.

“It’s quite nice to just watch them play without necessarily being in a coach’s role. To get the chance to see all the lads and their families after the game was fantastic as well.

“To have six players involved in the squad was brilliant. Not just that, but to see them having an influence on the game is impressive. Kane James started the tournament with a Man of the Match performance in Ireland while Ben Coen looks calm and collected at fly-half.

“The team have played very well, managed the game well and really showed that England have got a good group of players to work with. It was a pleasure to watch them play.”

Three of the players included – Coen, James and Gulley – were integral to England’s U20s World Championship win in 2024. With England the reigning champions of the U20s Six Nations as well, they are looking to further stamp their names upon this age-grade squad.

“It’s not just that we’ve got one or two good lads, we’ve actually got a group of them. Having that core group of lads coming through together is really important because you hope they stick together. They form friendships and bonds to then remain a unit for years to come.

“This experience exposes them to different coaching and different playing styles which is great for them. One of the best things about the competition is that you play Ireland who are completely different to France, Italy, Wales and Scotland. You get exposed to different styles, different conditions, different crowds and you get travel thrown in there too.

“It’s a great experience for them to have as it can hopefully rub off on their university teammates when they return to Exeter. Those skills and decision-making lessons can transfer to an EURFC team which already looks strong.”

With three rounds still to be played, there are some tough match-ups for Mark Mapletoft’s young side, but Hunter believes the Chiefs men will continue to put their best foot forward as they draw on the excitement of international caps and their want to put their names into future selection conversations for Exeter Chiefs.

“Everybody always wants to feel they’re getting at least a ‘well done’ for how hard they’re working, so to get a cap for your country is a fantastic achievement. It’s an incredibly competitive group, you don’t just walk into the side – you’ve got to earn it. We hope our lads will continue to do that.”