"Build Momentum" - England U20 Squad Confirmed for Clash with Oxford University

The last meeting between the England U20s and Oxford University, witnessed a 54-31 triumph for the emerging international talents. The fixture took place last season, and brought a record crowd for more than a decade to Oxford's illustrious Iffley Road Sports Centre. Head coach Mapletoft has named a new captain, with Leicester Tigers’ Finn Carnduff succeeding Nathan Michelow’s run out against Bath United last weekend.

Carnduff starts as blindside flanker for the pathway side in the uncapped fixture. The experienced youngster boasts 10 U20 caps for his country, and leads the team after adding three more Premiership Rugby Cup appearances to his total of nine overall for this season.

Carnduff is one of seven previously-capped members in travelling squad; along with Toby Cousins, Ben Waghorn, Craig Wright and Zach Carr, as well as replacement forwards James Halliwell and Joe Bailey.

After their trip to Oxfordshire, England U20 then turn their attention to their opening 2024 U20 Six Nations fixture against Italy at the Stadio Monigo, Treviso, on 2 February (19:15 GMT kick-off).

England U20 Men’s head coach Mark Mapletoft said: “There were a lot of positive spells and contributions from the lads against a tough Bath United side that have given us plenty of encouragement heading into Oxford and then Italy.

“We’re looking to really gel this squad away from the pitch and build momentum on it – we have an eager group of boys here that are keen to showcase their talents across a full 80 minutes.

“Rest assured, we as a group have put in a great deal of work at Bisham this past week aiming to match Oxford, who provided a stern test last year ahead of the Six Nations.”

15 Ioan Jones (Gloucester Rugby) 

14 Toby Cousins (Northampton Saints) * 

13 Ben Waghorn (Harlequins) * 

12 Sean Kerr (Harlequins) 

11 Ben Redshaw (Newcastle Falcons) 

10 Rory Taylor (Gloucester Rugby) 

9 Ben Douglas (Newcastle Falcons)

1 Cameron Miell (Leicester Tigers) 

2 Craig Wright (Northampton Saints) * 

3 Billy Sela (Bath Rugby)  

4 Olamide Sodeke (Saracens) 

5 Junior Kpoku (Racing 92)  

6 Finn Carnduff (C) (Leicester Tigers) * 

7 Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints) 

8 Zach Carr (Harlequins) *

Replacements 

16 Jacob Oliver (Newcastle Falcons) 

17 Scott Kirk (Bath Rugby) 

18 James Halliwell (Bristol Bears) * 

19 Joe Bailey (Exeter Chiefs) * 

20 Jack Bennett (Bath Rugby) 

21 Max Blinkhorn (Nottingham University) 

22 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs) 

23 Josh Bellamy (Harlequins)  

24 Malelili Satala (Leicester Tigers) 

25 Ollie Spencer (Newcastle Falcons) 

2 February - Italy v England - 19:15 - Stadio Monigo, Treviso 

9 February - England v Wales - 19:15 - The Recreation Ground. Tickets available here. 

23 February - Scotland v England - 19:15 - Hive Stadium, Edinburgh 

8 March - England v Ireland - 19:15 - The Recreation Ground. Tickets available here. 

15 March - France v England - 20:00 - Stade du Hameau, Pau