England men U20s fixtures and venues for U20 Six Nations Championship announced
England men U20s fixtures and venues for the 2020 U20 Six Nations Championship have been announced with home matches in Northampton (Franklin’s Gardens) and Gloucester (Kingsholm Stadium).
The side will open their U20s Six Nations campaign against France at Stade des Alpes, Grenoble on Saturday, 1 February (8pm GMT).
England will next face Scotland at Myreside in Edinburgh on Friday 7 February (7.30pm GMT).
Franklin’s Gardens then plays host as England take on Ireland at the home of Northampton Saints on Friday, 21 February (7.45pm GMT, live on Sky Sports).
Wales are the visitors to Kingsholm Stadium on Friday 6 March (7.45pm GMT, live on Sky Sports).
The side end their campaign against Italy in Verona at Payanini Rugby Center on Sunday 15 March (5.30pm GMT).
England’s player pathway programme is a vital development tool into full international rugby. Of the 31 players selected in England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, 81 per cent have played for England U20s.
RFU head of professional rugby Nigel Melville said: “It’s always important that we put our aspiring England players into the right environment to play international rugby and these are two top-class traditional home venues.
“Both have huge supporter bases locally for the game and I know they will all be interested in seeing the next generation of England players in action and we hope they come out in force for the games against Wales and Ireland. They will expect to see a high standard of rugby and I hope the players will rise to the challenge in that type of environment, which will again be important for the development as future internationals.
“For the U20s the Six Nations is becoming increasingly important as the transition from this age group into the national team is now a lot closer. So for the players to experience an international tournament against some of their great rivals is vital to their journey into senior rugby.
“Players are progressing into senior rugby a lot quicker and the U20s is a very clear stage for them to show their potential to go onto the next level. To also play against your peers, who you could then face for the next 10 years at various levels is also exciting and the chance to represent your country on this stage is a proud moment in their fledgling careers.”
Northampton Saints chief executive Mark Darbon said: "After the success of last year's fixture in which over 5000 supporters saw England defeat Scotland we are once again proud to be hosting the future stars of the game.
"We all know about the fierce rivalry between the two nations and followers of U20s rugby will know that Ireland are the Grand Slam champions beating England in both the Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship last season so I'm sure England will be looking to set the record straight.
"Those that attended last year were treated to eight tries and an exciting contest and we look forward to making this a memorable occasion under the lights here at Franklin's Gardens."
Gloucester Rugby chief executive Lance Bradley said: “We’re delighted to welcome the England U20s back to Kingsholm.
“International games have always proved popular here, with the Gloucester Rugby faithful turning out in numbers and creating a great atmosphere. The best up and coming English and Welsh talent will be on display so it should be a great occasion.”
England men U20s fixtures
France v England
Saturday, 1 February, KO 8pm GMT, Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Scotland v England
Friday 7 February, KO 7.30pm GMT, Myreside, Edinburgh
England v Ireland
Friday, 21 February, KO 7.45pm GMT, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Tickets: englandrugby.com/tickets
England v Wales
Friday, 6 March, KO 7.45pm GMT, Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Tickets: englandrugby.com/tickets
Italy v England
Sunday, 15 March, KO 5.30pm GMT, Payanini Rugby Center, Verona