Five Chiefs in England U20 Side for Grand Slam Decider

Five Exeter Chiefs players have been included in Mark Mapletoft's England U20 side who will chase a Grand Slam this weekend.

England U20 face Wales in the final round of the 2025 U20 Six Nations as they travel to Cardiff Arms Park this Friday (14th) in pursuit of a first Grand Slam at U20 level since 2021 after four consecutive wins. The match kicks-off at 19:30 GMT and will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer.

Tom Burrow of Sale Sharks assumes the captaincy once more in Round 5 and is accompanied by the returning Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks) and Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby) in the pack.

Following on from consecutive appearances with Premiership Rugby Cup finalists and hometown club Exeter Chiefs, fly-half Ben Coen returns to the fold alongside Leicester Tigers’ Jack Kinder in Mapletoft’s backline.

Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints) and Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs) are reintroduced as replacements for the reigning U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 champions.

Mark Mapletoft: “We’re grateful for the efforts of those involved within the pathway that have been essential in contributing to our strong standing heading into Friday's game. Our players have taken the opportunities presented to them, overcoming difficult tests week-on-week, and have impressed as a Brotherhood.

“The team have been on a journey over the past two months, and the progression has been very pleasing. That said, there’s so much to play for and our squad have prepared diligently to amplify their strengths and take that final step forwards in Cardiff, whatever it takes.

“The staff and I want the players to give their all and exceed the expectations of the occasion that lies ahead of us this week.”

England U20

15 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 2 caps)

14 Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 9 caps)

13 Angus Hall (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, 10 caps)

12 Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, Bishops Diocesan College, 3 caps)

11 Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, Silhillians RUFC, 3 caps)

10 Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 8 caps)

9 Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport RFC, 2 caps)

1 Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, 4 caps)

2 Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, 4 caps)

3 Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, 4 caps)

4 Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 15 caps)

5 Tom Burrow (c) (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, 4 caps)

6 Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 14 caps)

7 George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 6 caps)

8 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 13 caps)

Replacements

16 Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 4 caps)

17 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 4 caps)

18 Tubuna Maka (Leicester Tigers, Birmingham Moseley RFC, 1 cap)

19 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 3 caps)

20 Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 2 caps)

21 Joe Davis (Newcastle Falcons, Bishop Auckland RUFC, 1 cap)

22 Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 14 caps)

23 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 3 caps)