Dawe Named In England U20 Side For Italy Clash

The academy prop is named at loose head as England target a third successive win in the competition, with Bath’s Zach Mercer leading the side from number eight.

Jamie Blamire, Josh Caulfield, Ben Curry, Ciaran Knight and Alex Mitchell all start for the first time, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix. 

England Under 20 coach Tom Williams said: "Zach Mercer loves to chat among the group and isn't afraid of expressing his opinion. That coupled with his leadership qualities and experience meant that he was the first name that came to mind when we lost Ben Earl through injury.”

England U20: Tom Parton (London Irish), Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins),
Dominic Morris (Saracens), Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie), Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins), Jacob Umaga (Wasps), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints); Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby), Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby), Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Jack Nay (Saracens), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, capt)

Replacements: Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby), Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby), Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs), Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons), Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), Rory Brand (London Irish), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish).