England call up for Chiefs duo

Exeter Chiefs youngsters Joe Bailey and Kane James have been named in the England U20s match day squad to face Georgia.

Head coach Mark Mapletoft and assistant coach Andy Titterrell will look to employ all of the 30 touring squad members in their first encounter of the season against the Junior Lelos today (June 7th). The fixture kicks-off at 15:00 BST at the Avchala Stadium and will be streamed live on Georgian Rugby social media channels.

Fifteen-cap Finn Carnduff resumes captaincy responsibilities for the pathway side, leading out 12 of the starting 15 players that secured the 2024 Under-20 Six Nations Championship against France at the Stade du Hameau back in March.

Saracens wing Angus Hall is the only uncapped player in the named XV having registered two tries for the U20 Men in a previous warm-up against Coventry RFC. Hall has five caps for the England U18 Men and featured in the two recent U19 outings against France and Italy, and is one of 27 of 30 touring squad members having U17, U18 or U19 caps to their name.

Mapletoft’s replacements bench includes nine Under-20 Six Nations victors as well as uncapped players Cameron Miell, Ollie Allan and Charlie Myall of Leicester Tigers, George Timmins (Bath Rugby) and Saracens’ Jack Bracken.

The second of the uncapped tests takes place at the Avchala Stadium on Wednesday 12th June (15:00 BST kick-off), which is also being streamed via Georgian Rugby social media channels.

Mark Mapletoft said: “We’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store over the next week. The team have adapted and trained with clear focus points after a long trip to Tbilisi and are incredibly eager to take to the field.

“The coaches and I have been careful to manage the game time we’re giving to the players; we have an extensive matchday squad and we intend to utilise as many minutes and combinations across our group as possible.

“Whilst we’re acutely aware of what’s over the horizon, our full focus remains on putting our best foot forward ahead of what will be two very challenging tests against Georgia away from home.”

For the full squad, click here.