Bailey to face Ireland in U20 Six Nations

Head coach Alan Dickens makes six changes to the starting line-up from England’s game against Wales in the fourth round of the championship.
 
George Hendy returns at full back having last represented the side against Italy.  The remaining backs are all in the same positions as last week with Deago Bailey at right wing and Cassius Cleaves on the left.  Jacob Cusick plays at outside centre with Ethan Grayson on the inside.  Jamie Benson is fly half with Sam Edwards at scrum half. 
 
Emeka Ilione, remains at number 8 and captains the side for the first time in the championship.  Openside flanker, Toby Knight, remains in position but is joined by Ewan Richards at blindside flanker; he has not played this year but was part of the 2021 championship. 
 
In the second row, Tom Lockett, returns having played against Scotland and Italy and Lewis Chessum starts, having come off the bench against Wales. 
 
In the front row, John Stewart comes back as hooker, Fin Baxter remains at loosehead prop with Tim Hoyt, tighthead prop, making his Six Nations debut. 
 
Previously capped, Finn Theobald-Thomas, Mark Dormer, Mikey Summerfield, Chandler Cunningham-South, Lucas Brooke and Louie Johnson are on the bench in positions 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 respectively with newcomers Nye Thomas and Will Joseph at 21 and 23. 
 
Dickens said: “The team produced some good performances against Wales in the last round, although there were areas we should have capitalised on and we’ve been working on that this week.  
 
“The competition within the squad is evident during training and drives the standards during the week.  
 
“Our game against Ireland last summer was certainly a physical battle and we expect much the same at the weekend.  Ireland has secured three wins out three, so we know how tough a challenge it is going to be.  
 
“The players have given their all during training and I have no doubt that they will take that onto the pitch at StoneX Stadium on Saturday night.” 

England U20 v Ireland U20
15. George Hendy (Northampton Saints, Caps 2)
14. Deago Bailey (Bristol Bears, Caps 6)
13. Jacob Cusick (Leicester Tigers, Caps 1)
12. Ethan Grayson (Northampton Saints, Caps 3)
11. Cassius Cleaves (Harlequins, Caps 1)
10. Jamie Benson (Harlequins, 3 Caps)
9. Sam Edwards (Leicester Tigers, Caps 2)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, Caps 4)
2. John Stewart (Bath Rugby, Caps 3)
3. Tim Hoyt (Leicester Tigers, Caps 0)
4. Lewis Chessum (Leicester Tigers, Caps 1)
5. Tom Lockett (Northampton Saints, Caps 1)
6. Ewan Richards (Bath Rugby, Caps 5)
7. Toby Knight (Saracens, Caps 2)
8. Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers, Caps 4) - Captain
 
Replacements
16. Finn Theobald-Thomas (Worcester Warriors, Caps 2)
17. Mark Dormer (Newcastle Falcons, Caps 2)
18. Mikey Summerfield (London Irish, Caps 3)
19. Chandler Cunningham-South (London Irish, Caps 1)
20. Lucas Brooke (London Irish, Caps 2)
21. Nye Thomas (Sale Sharks, Caps 0)
22. Louie Johnson (Newcastle Falcons, Caps 2)
23. Will Joseph (London Irish, Caps 0)
 
England U20s 2022 Six Nations fixtures and results
Friday 4 February - Scotland v England - KO 8pm - DAM Health Stadium, Edinburgh (24-41)
Friday 11 February - Italy v England - KO 7pm - Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso (6-0)
Friday 25 February - England v Wales - KO 7pm – Castle Park, Doncaster (43-14)
Saturday 12 March – England v Ireland - KO 7.15pm – StoneX Stadium, London
Tickets are available here. 
Sunday 20 March - France v England - KO 8pm - Stade Aime Giral, Perpignan

All games will be available via BBC iPlayer