London Irish duo in England U19s side to play Wales U19s

London Irish Academy back-row Izaiah Moore-Aiono and hooker Ben Atkins have been named in Jim Mallinder's England U19s side to face Wales U19s on Sunday 7 April at Morganstone Brewery Field, home of Bridgend RFC (kick off, 2pm, live on S4C).

Atkins has featured in the England U20s Six Nations campaign, whislt Moore-Aiono will make his age-grade debut for England on Sunday.

The development fixture is a continuation of England’s U18s programme which began with a three-game tour to South Africa, before U18s matches against Scotland and France earlier in March. England will also host the 2019 U18 Six Nations festival later in April at Hartpury College and University.

The U18s are led by pathway performance coaches Mallinder and Steve Bates, alongside consultant coaches Mark Luffman, Sean Marsden and London Irish's Jonathan Fisher. U20 coach James Scaysbrook, who is part of the coach development programme agreement between England Rugby and Premiership Rugby, will take charge of defence on Sunday.

Jim Mallinder said: “This fixture gives us a really good opportunity to see a number of players who have either not played too much U20 rugby during the Six Nations or our U18 players with September birthdays who are too old for the U18 Six Nations Festival and will be pushing to get into the U20 Elite Player Squad next season.

“We have some really good individuals in the squad and the challenge is to use the limited time we have in training to come together on Sunday and play well, enjoy ourselves as well as look like a cohesive team. 

“Whenever you see an England-Wales match at any level there is always that fierce rivalry and we know Sunday will be no different. Wales are well-organised at age-grade level and we know it will be a real challenge for this group but it is one we’re looking forward to.”

England U19s
15. Josh Hodge Newcastle Falcons
14. Louis Lynagh Harlequins (Hampton School)
13. Harry Barlow Harlequins
12. Jack Reeves Gloucester Rugby
11. Jacob Morris Gloucester Rugby
10. Will Haydon-Wood Newcastle Falcons (Sedbergh School)
9. Jonny Law Leicester Tigers (Rugby School)
1. Bevan Rodd Sale Sharks
2. Alfie Barbeary Wasps (Bloxham School)
3. Cal Ford Sale Sharks
4. Will Montgomery Newcastle Falcons
5. Hugh Tizard Harlequins
6. Joe Howard Gloucester Rugby (Hartpury College)
7. Izaiha Moore-Aiono London Irish
8. Rusiate Tuima Exeter Chiefs

Replacements
16. Ben Atkins London Irish
17. Zac Nearchou Wasps (Radley College)
18. James Whitcombe Leicester Tigers (Woodhouse Grove)
19. Freddie Lockwood Newcastle Falcons (Barnard Castle)
20. Jack Clement Gloucester Rugby (Cheltenham College)
21. Raphael Quirke Sale Sharks (St Ambrose College)
22. Tom Curtis Sale Sharks (Sedbergh School)
23. Josh Gillespie Northampton Saints (Millfield School)

England U18/19s fixtures

Wales U19 v England U19

Sunday 7 April, K0 2pm GMT

Bridgend RFC: for club details click - here
Tickets can only be bought on the gate: £5 adults, £1 U16s. 

U18 Six Nations Festival fixtures

Matchday one - Saturday 13 April
KO       Gillman’s Ground, Gloucester
12:00    England v Wales          
14:30    Ireland v France
17:00    Scotland v Italy

Matchday two - Wednesday 17 April
KO       Sixways Stadium, Worcester
11:00    France v Italy
13:30    Ireland v England
16:00    Wales v Scotland

Matchday three - Sunday 21 April
KO       Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
11:00    Scotland v Ireland
13.30    England v France
16:00    Italy v Wales