Leicester Tigers back-rower Emeka Ilione has been included in the England Rugby Under-20s Elite Player Squad (EPS) for 2022.
The Tigers Senior Academy Squad member is one of ten players named in the 32-man outfit, announced by England U20s Head Coach Alan Dickens this morning, to have previously represented the country at the age-grade level.
Speaking about the squad, Dickens said: “Selection for the squad has been based on a combination of things: the previous regional camps we’ve held, the work we do with the club academies and coaches, plus our knowledge of the players within the pathway.
“The communication and collaboration throughout the pathway are excellent and it’s ensuring we identify talented players and get out to see them play early.
“I’d like to thank all the Premiership clubs, the academies, the coaches and Premiership Rugby for their support. It’s been a big team effort.”
England U20s 2022 Six Nations fixtures:
- Friday 4 February - Scotland v England - KO 8pm - DAM Health Stadium, Edinburgh
- Friday 11 February - Italy v England - KO 7pm - Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso
- Friday 25 February - England v Wales - KO 7pm – Castle Park, Doncaster
- Saturday 12 March – England v Ireland - KO 7.15pm – StoneX Stadium, London
- Sunday 20 March - France v England - KO 8pm - Stade Aime Giral, Perpignan
England men U20s Elite Player Squad – 2022
Forwards:
Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Alfie Bell (Wasps)
Lucas Brooke (London Irish)
Kofi Cripps (Wasps)
Mark Dormer (Newcastle)
Ollie Fletcher (Newcastle)
Robin Hardwick (Wasps)
Will Hobson (Harlequins)
Emeka Ilione (Leicester)
Geordie Irvine (Northampton)
Tom Lockett (Northampton)
Toby Knight (Saracens)
Guy Pepper (Newcastle)
Charlie Rice (Bristol)
Ewan Richards (Bath)
John Stewart (Bath)
Mike Summerfield (London Irish)
Alex Wardell (Saracens)
Backs:
Henry Arundell (London Irish)
Seb Atkinson (Worcester)
Deago Bailey (Bristol)
Jamie Benson (Harlequins)
Tom Carr-Smith (Bath)
Ethan Grayson (Northampton)
Olly Hartley (Wasps)
George Hendy (Northampton)
Matty Jones (Gloucester)
Louie Johnson (Newcastle)
Will Joseph (London Irish)
Tom Litchfield (Northampton)
Fin Smith (Worcester)
Iwan Stephens (Newcastle)
