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England U20 add another fixture ahead of Six Nations title defence

Jack Bracken of England U20 during the World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 match between South Africa and England at Athlone Stadium on July 09, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

England U20 are set to take on Bath United at the Rec on Friday January 17, less than two weeks before they get their Six Nations title defence underway.

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Mark Mapletoft’s side are already due to face Cambridge this Saturday at Ellgia Fields, but have now added a further fixture before getting their Six Nations campaign started with trip to Cork to face Ireland U20 at Virgin Media Park on January 30.

The world champions faced Bath United last year in the build-up to their Six Nations campaign, losing 42-33.

England will return to the Rec twice during their campaign, against France on February 7 and against Italy on March 7.

Fixture
U20 Six Nations
Ireland U20
14:45
30 Jan 25
England U20
All Stats and Data

Bath United have already registered a 41-24 victory over Edinburgh A in October.

“We’re very pleased to have this fixture confirmed and thank Bath Rugby for welcoming us once again for what promises to be a positive experience for developing players in both squads,” Mapletoft said.

“The fixture is a perfect opportunity for our players to be exposed to playing under the lights on a Friday night ahead of the Six Nations at one of our two host venues. We want to replicate the preparation and level of expectations that we will demand of the squad ahead of a busy competitive period.

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“Preparations for the Six Nations have begun strongly following our December regional camps and most recent meeting at Warwick University. The excitement amongst the players is palpable and we’re determined to make a strong start in our bid to retain honours this year.”

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M
MA 2 hours ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..

If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.


My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.


ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.


Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.


Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.


It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.


So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.


After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.


Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.


Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.

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