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Stadiums confirmed for England's under-20s home matches in the 2020 Six Nations
By Alex Shaw
After a disappointing campaign in 2019, the England under-20 rugby side will be hoping for a much better showing in 2020 and the venues for their Six Nations campaign have now been confirmed.
The age-grade side has led the way in taking England games away from Twickenham and London in recent seasons, playing in cities such as Brighton and Newcastle, something which the senior side replicated recently when they took on Italy at St James’ Park.
Earlier this year, the side hosted games in Exeter, Bedford and Northampton on their way to finishing third in the championship.
In 2020, Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton will again host an under-20 Six Nations game, whilst Kingsholm in Gloucester has also been added to the roster. England will take on Ireland in Northampton before welcoming Wales to Gloucester. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
England’s other fixtures in the competition see England travel to Grenoble and Edinburgh initially to take on France and Scotland respectively, before finishing up in Verona against Italy.
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Northampton chief executive Mark Darbon said: "After the success of last year's fixture in which over 5,000 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 under-20s rugby will know that Ireland are the Grand Slam champions beating England in both the Six Nations and World Rugby Under-20 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.”
The pathway has been a productive one for England, with 25 of the current 31-man Rugby World Cup squad having come through the England under-20 side.
The group is currently without a head coach, however, as the RFU parted ways with Steve Bates at the end of the last season. England U18 head coach Jim Mallinder has also left, heading to the SRU as performance director and head of international player development Dean Ryan has made the move to the Dragons in the Guinness PRO14. Italy head coach Conor O’Shea has been heavily linked with a return to the RFU and a significant role in the player pathway.
England under-20s fixtures
France v England - February 1, KO 8pm GMT, Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Scotland v England - February 7, KO 7.30pm GMT, Myreside, Edinburgh
England v Ireland - February 21, KO 7.45pm GMT, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
England v Wales - March 6 March, KO 7.45pm GMT, Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Italy v England - March 15, KO 5.30pm GMT, Payanini Rugby Center, Verona
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Yes I think that is the natural solution B. It's part of the modern world after all and reason rugby cannot accommodate it too.
Go to commentsIt is if he thinks he’s got hold of the ball and there is at least one other player between him and the ball carrier, which is why he has to reach around and over their heads. Not a deliberate action for me.
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