Hugh Shields is set to make his England U20 debut in matchday one of the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship against Ireland this weekend.
The fly-half is one of five Northampton Saints players in the squad for the match taking place at Avchala Stadiu in Tbilisi, Georgia, this Saturday 27 June, 12:30pm kick-off. The Pool C clash will be available to watch live on RugbyPass TV and Premier Sports.
Joining Shields in the starting side is Aiden Ainsworth-Cave who packs down in the second row, and James Pater is picked at fullback on the occasion of his sixth U21 cap.
There’s two further Saints players on the bench as Sonny Tonga’uiha and Jack Lewis await their chance to impress.
Ahead of the Junior World Championship opener, England U20 head coach Andy Titterrell said: “This fixture marks an important step in our ongoing development as a squad, and it’s brilliant to see players take ownership of their roles with real energy and intent as we begin the Junior World Championship.
“We’re committed to providing the right level of support to help this group grow, continue building strong connections on and off the field, and most importantly, ensuring they enjoy the experience while representing England.
“Congratulations to our debutants, who have earned their opportunity. We look forward to Saturday being a key continuation of the squad’s journey together and a chance to showcase their hard work.”
England U20 Men’s squad to face Ireland
15 James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, 5 caps)
14 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, uncapped)
13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 13 caps)
12 Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, 9 caps)
11 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, 1 cap)
10 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
9 Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 13 caps)
1 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
2 Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, Worthing Rugby Club, 5 caps)
3 Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC, 6 caps)
4 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, 5 caps)
5 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 14 caps)
6 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, 3 caps)
7 Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks, Rochdale RUFC, 7 caps)
8 Connor Treacey (c) (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 12 caps)
Replacements
16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 2 caps)
17 Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, 5 caps)
18 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 5 caps)
19 Patrick Hogg (Sale Sharks, Blaydon Rugby Club, 3 caps)
20 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, uncapped)
21 George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro RFC, 1 cap)
22 Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, 4 caps)
23 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 8 caps)