Oli Scola and Jack Lewis have both been named in Andy Titterrell’s starting squad to face Leicester Tigers U23 this Friday (5 June, kick-off: 7:30pm), with Aiden Ainsworth-Cave and Hugh Shields set to come off the bench.
The uncapped fixture at Mattioli Woods Welford Road marks the opening to the summer schedule for Titterrell’s team, beginning preparations for the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship.
It’s a first U20 matchday involvement for Shields and former England U18 captain Lewis, whilst Scola and Ainsworth-Cave are the joint most experienced players in the matchday squad with 14 U20 caps to their names.
England U20 Men continue their Junior World Championship preparations against Italy U20 Men next Friday (12 June, kick-off: 5:30pm BST). The warm-up fixture will be streamed live on the Federazione Italiana Rugby YouTube channel.
On the squad, Titterrell said: “This opening summer fixture is all about development, ownership and enjoyment, and we’ve seen outstanding energy from the group as they take their first steps towards the Junior World Championship.
“Competition for places is fierce and rightly so – every session and warm-up game is an opportunity for players to put their hand up, underline their intent and stake a claim for the final squad.
“Congratulations to George Marsh on captaining the U20s for the first time against his home club, a proud moment that reflects the standards and leadership we possess across the squad driving this environment forward.”
England U20 Men’s side to face Leicester Tigers U23 (includes current club, community club and previous U20 caps)
15 Theo Povey (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, uncapped)
14 Zac Finch (Saracens, Sidcup RFC, uncapped)
13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 13 caps)
12 Ollie Batson (Exeter Chiefs, Exmouth RFC, uncapped)
11 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, 1 cap)
10 Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, 4 caps)
9 George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro RFC, 1 cap)
1 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 14 caps)
2 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 2 caps)
3 Harry Wright (Gloucester Rugby, Alcester, 1 cap)
4 Rory McKnight (Bath Rugby, Chobham RFC, uncapped)
5 Patrick Hogg (Sale Sharks, Blaydon Rugby Club, 3 caps)
6 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, 3 caps)
7 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints, Ashby RFC, uncapped)
8 George Marsh (c) (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, 5 caps)
Replacements
16 Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester Rugby, Drybrook RFC, 2 caps)
17 Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, 5 caps)
18 Alan Poku (Saracens, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
19 George Bolam (Newcastle Red Bulls, Horden & Peterlee and Durham City RFC, uncapped)
20 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 14 caps)
21 Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 12 caps)
22 Isaac Mears (Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby, uncapped)
23 Luke Davidson (Saracens, Michaelhouse, 1 cap)
24 Fraser Rawlins (Saracens, Hertford RFC, uncapped)
25 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, uncapped)
26 Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester Rugby, Lydney RFC, 3 caps)
27 Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, 7 caps)