Dawe Named At Loosehead For U20 Six Nations Opener

The academy prop lines up alongside Worcester’s Joseph Morris and Gloucester’s Joe Mullis in the front-row for the fixture that will be shown live on Sky Sports 5.

It is the first of three England matches taking place on the opening day of the Six Nations, with the men and the women also kicking off their respective campaigns.

Saturday’s clash against France will be the first game under the new England U20 coaching structure.  It was announced this week that Louis Deacon, Ian Vass and Tom Williams have joined the England U20 management team for the duration of the season as part of a new coach development agreement signed between the RFU and Premiership Rugby.  

HONOURS: Ollie Dawe prepares to scrummage during Bristol United's A League clash with Exeter Braves.

“The U20 Six Nations is a fantastic opportunity for these players and management to continue their development on the international stage.” said Dean Ryan, Head of International Player Development at the RFU. 

“All of the starting 15 have previously played at England U18 level so we are aware of the qualities they will bring to the team and the match will be a test of the intensity levels required of them at this level.”

England Under 20: Tom Parton (London Irish), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish), Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie), Will Butler (Worcester Warriors), Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), Max Malins (Saracens), Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby);
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
 Ben Earl (Saracens), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Jack Nay (Saracens), Joseph Morris (Worcester Warriors), Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby), Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)

Replacements: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Jake Pope (Sale Sharks), Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby), Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors), Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Jacob Umaga (Wasps), Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins).

England U20 2017 Six Nations fixtures:

All of the home England U20 Six Nations fixtures will be shown live on Sky Sports.

England v France: Saturday 4th February – Sandy Park, Exeter (KO 12pm)

Wales v England: Friday 10th February – Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay (KO 7.15pm)

England v Italy: Friday 24th February – Darlington Mowden Park (KO 7.45pm)

England v Scotland: Saturday 11th March – Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton (KO 6.15pm)

Ireland v England: Friday 17th March – Donnybrook Stadium, (KO 6pm)