Chiefs duo named in U-20s squad

By Mark Stevens
22/2/17

Exeter Chiefs forward Josh Caulfield and Marcus Street have both been named in the England Under-20s squad to face Italy at the Northern Echo Arena on Friday (7:45pm kick off).

Caulfield, who will make his first Under-20s start in the second row, is one of eight changes the Red Rose country have made to their line-up from that which defeated Wales 37-21 last time out.

Caulfield, Jamie Blamire, Ben Curry, Ciaran Knight and Alex Mitchell all start for the first time in the match which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix.

In addition, Harlequins wing Sam Aspland-Robinson and Saracens’ Jack Nay return after missing the match against Wales in Colwyn Bay, while Saracens centre Dominic Morris starts at outside centre to earn his third England U20 cap. Zach Mercer will captain the team following Ben Earl’s knee injury which ruled him out of the tournament.

Mercer, who has featured regularly in the Aviva Premiership for Bath this season, received the Man of the Match award against Wales. The 19-year old’s stand-out performance included a fantastic individual effort to score a late try which sealed England’s second win of this season’s Six Nations.

England Under-20s coach Tom Williams said: "Zach Mercer loves to chat among the group and isn't afraid of expressing his opinion. That coupled with his leadership qualities and experience meant that he was the first name that came to mind when we lost Ben Earl through injury.”

Street (pictured), Rory Brand, Max Davies, Marcus Smith and Henry Walker are named among the replacements and could all make their England U20 debuts.

Harlequins fly-half Smith and Exeter Chiefs front row forward Street have been promoted from the England Under-18s squad after recently impressing in last week’s Premiership Rugby Under 18 Academy Finals Day at Sixways Stadium.

England U-20s team to face Italy U20:

15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
13. Dominic Morris (Saracens)
12. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie)
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
10. Jacob Umaga (Wasps)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
2. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
3. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
4. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
6. Jack Nay (Saracens)
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, capt)

Replacements:

16. Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby)
17. Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby)
18. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons)
20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
21. Rory Brand (London Irish)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
23. Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish)