London Irish trio Tom Parton, Joe Cokanasiga and Theo Brophy Clews have been named in the England Under-20 squad for Saturday’s Six Nations match against Scotland at Franklin’s Gardens (kick-off 6.15pm, live on Sky Sports 1).
Parton, who will be looking to add to his three tries in this year’s competition, starts at full-back, while winger Cokanasiga provides pace and power out wide. Brophy Clews is amongst the replacements as England look to make it four wins on the spin ahead of the trip to Ireland next week.
“Tom and Joe have been excellent in the Six Nations and I’m sure they will do themselves and their country proud this weekend,” said Exiles Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy.
“It’s also great to see Theo included amongst the replacements – he will be keen to get some more minutes on the pitch under his belt.
“Since returning from injury he has worked very hard in training and his inclusion in the squad is well-deserved.”
There are seven changes to the starting line-up from last month’s 46-0 victory over Italy in Darlington. Cokanasiga, Will Butler, Curtis Langdon, Max Malins, Jack Nay and Harry Randall all return to the starting XV for the penultimate match of the Six Nations.
Malins is named at fly-half after his man-of-the-match performance in the 59-17 win over France at Sandy Park.
England Under-20s, who are top of the 2017 U20 Six Nations table after three bonus point victories in their three matches so far, welcome Newcastle Falcons forward Max Davies into the team at lock for his first start after he made his debut in the victory over Italy.
A bonus-point win could see England secure their sixth U20 Six Nations title with a game remaining if Wales beat Ireland at Eirias Park.
England Under-20 coach Ian Vass said: “It is credit to the environment and the pool of players that selection is so competitive. We work hard on improving each week and there is a positive mind-set in camp so hopefully we can produce another good performance.
“Scotland have shown so far in the competition they are dangerous on the attack and they will come at us hard, but we just need to focus on how we perform.”
England U20 team to face Scotland U20
15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish)
13. Dominic Morris (Saracens)
12. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
11. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
10. Max Malins (Saracens)
9. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
2. Curtis Langdon (Sale Sharks)
3. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
4. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
5. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons)
6. Jack Nay (Saracens)
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby) captain
Replacements
16. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
17. Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens)
18. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors)
20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
22. Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
23. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie)
England U20s 2017 Six Nations fixtures
All of England’s remaining U20 Six Nations fixtures will be shown live on Sky Sports:
England 59 - 17 France: Saturday 4th February – Sandy Park, Exeter
Wales 21 - 37 England: Friday 10th February – Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay
England 46 - 0 Italy: Friday 24th February – Darlington Mowden Park
England v Scotland: Saturday 11th March – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton (6:15pm KO)
Tickets for this match can be purchased online here: http://www.tickethour.co.uk/saints-ww/showProduct.html?idProduct=2045
Ireland v England: Friday 17th March – Donnybrook Stadium, (6:00pm KO)
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