Murray names Scotland U20 team for England contest

Scotland's Jerry Blyth-Lafferty and Fabien Brau-Boirie of France during the 2024 Under 20 Six Nations Championship Round 2 between Scotland U20 and France U20 in Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland Friday, February 09, 2024 (Photo by Laszlo Geczo / Inpho)

Head Coach Kenny Murray has confirmed his 23-man squad to host England U20, with Jerry Blyth-Lafferty making his first start this tournament at hooker in place of injured Elliot Young, and Euan McVie returning to the second row after a game out due to injury.

The starting props remain unchanged for the third game in a row as Robbie Deans and Callum Norrie join Blyth-Lafferty at the front of the pack.

Vice-captain Ruaraidh Hart remains in the boiler room, a week after making his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors against Dragons at Scotstoun Stadium.

The back row sees no movement since the last time the team were at Hive Stadium, with Number 8 Jonny Morris joining flankers Freddy Douglas and Liam McConnell who continues as captain.

Fresh from scoring his first Scotland U20 try against France, scrum half Murdoch Lock joins stand off Isaac Coates to complete the half back pairing.

The back five remain unchanged for the third consecutive match. Vice-captain Geordie Gwynn forms the centre pairing with Kerr Yule, as Amena Caqusau and Kerr Johnston take charge of either wing. Fergus Watson completes the starting XV at fullback.

The replacements bench sees newcomer Gavin Parry join Callum Smyth, Ryan Whitefield, Ryan Burke and Tom Currie (who returns to the team after his injury in Wales) cover the forwards, and Eric Davey, Jack Hocking and Johnny Ventisei as options for the backs.

Head coach Kenny Murray said: “After the first fallow week, the team are ready to get going again.

“We came back fighting in the second half against France two weeks ago, but we must play that way consistently if we want to be on the right side of the result against England, who will no doubt bring a very physical performance.

“We are excited to get back out in front of a home crowd for our final home game of the tournament.

With over 6,000 tickets already snapped up by fans, seats in the stands have more or less sold out (there are a few single seats left) but there are still tickets available for the pitchside standing terraces. These are priced at £16.50 (adults), £11.50 (Students), £6.50 (U18s) and £1.50 (U12s). Secure your tickets here and get behind Scotland U20 this Friday night in Edinburgh!

Scotland U20 team to face England U20 on Friday 23 February at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (kick off 7.15pm, live on BBC iPlayer)

15. Fergus Watson* (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Kerr Johnston* (Glasgow Warriors)
13. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice Captain
12. Kerr Yule* (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Amena Caqusau* (Glasgow Warriors)

10. Isaac Coates* (Edinburgh Rugby)
9. Murdoch Lock (Bath Rugby/Bath University)

1. Robbie Deans* (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
3. Callum Norrie* (Glasgow Warriors)
4. Euan McVie* (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ruaraidh Hart* (Glasgow Warriors) – Vice Captain
6. Liam McConnell* (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas* (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Jonny Morris* (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements

16. Gavin Parry (Pontypridd RFC)
17. Callum Smyth* (Glasgow Warriors)
18. Ryan Whitefield (Biggar RFC)
19. Ryan Burke (Glasgow Warriors)
20. Tom Currie* (Edinburgh Rugby)
21. Eric Davey (Stirling Wolves)
22. Jack Hocking* (Edinburgh Rugby)
23. Johnny Ventisei* (Glasgow Warriors)

*FOSROC Scottish Rugby Contracted Academy Player

Secure the last remaining tickets for Friday’s game HERE