Leicester Tigers back rower Will Owen starts for England as they kick-off the defence of their World Rugby U20s Championship title against Japan tomorrow (Tuesday).Owen starts on the openside flank at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano, Italy (kick-off 5.30pm UK time, live on BT Sport).
His Tigers teammate Charlie Beckett is named among the replacements.
Head coach Jon Callard said: “Everyone has settled in really well since arriving on Thursday. Training has been spot on – good intensity, great accuracy and plenty of enthusiasm. The squad are keen to get our processes right and they are looking forward to the first match.
“The players are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are excited about the challenge ahead. We want them not to have any nerves, to play with plenty of freedom, and to enjoy the opportunity to express themselves.
“It is tough to have Japan first because they are a relatively unknown quality. We need to be clinical, focus on ourselves and our systems and make full use of possession.”
Tigers prop Owen Hills and fly-half Oli Bryant are also in the England squad at the Championships.
England U20 to play Japan:
15 Aaron Morris (Saracens)
14 George Perkins (Saracens)
13 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
12 Max Clark (Bath Rugby)
11 Tom Howe (Wasps)
10 Rory Jennings (Bath Rugby)
9 Stuart Townsend (Exeter Chiefs)
1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Rugby)
2 Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
3 Paul Hill (Yorkshire Carnegie)
4 Will Witty (Newcastle Falcons)
5 Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, Captain)
6 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints)
7 Will Owen (Leicester Tigers)
8 James Chisholm (Harlequins)
Replacements:
16 Jack Innard (Exeter Chiefs)
17 Sebastian Adeniran-Olule (Harlequins)
18 Ciaran Parker (Sale Sharks)
19 Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs)
20 Charlie Beckett (Leicester Tigers)
21 James Mitchell (Sale Sharks)
22 Lloyd Evans (Gloucester)
23 Piers O’Conor (Wasps)
England's Schedule: (Live on BT Sport)
June 2, England v Japan, KO 5.30pm BST, Stadio San Michele Calvisano
June 6, England v Wales, KO 7.30pm BST, Stadio San Michele Calvisano
June 10, England v France, KO 3.30pm BST, Stadio Luigi Zaffanella Viadana
June 15, Semi-finals and knock-out games. Details TBC
June 20, Final and knock-out games, Details TBC
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Tigers duo in squad for England U20s opener
1 June 2015 11:43 AM
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