U20 | Scotland side named for England test

Head Coach Stevie Scott has named the Scotland U20 team to face England at Myreside in the U20 Six Nations this Friday (23 February, kick-off 7.30pm).

The squad selection includes two changes to the side who faced France at Broadwood Stadium in round two of the competition, and features 11 players who are currently enrolled in the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy.

The inclusion of Rory McMichael is the only alteration to an otherwise unchanged back-three. The Glasgow Hawks back replaces Logan Trotter – who drops to the bench – and is joined on the wing by club teammate Kyle Rowe, whilst Paddy Dewhirst is named at fullback.

In the centre, vice-captain Stafford McDowall once again partners Edinburgh Rugby’s Callum McLelland, whilst Ross Thompson and Gloucester academy’s Charlie Chapman continue at half-back.

An unchanged tight-five sees captain Robbie Smith pack down alongside Edinburgh Accies duo Shaun Gunn and Finlay Richardson in the front-row, with Ewan Johnson and Watsonians’ Jamie Hodgson named as locks.

Heriot’s Martin Hughes makes his first start of the campaign at blindside flanker and links up with the imposing tandem of Devante Onojaife and Guy Graham, with the latter notching an impressive brace against France a fortnight ago.

Scotland U20 Head Coach, Stevie Scott said: “I’ve said it before, the more games this group play together, the better they’ll get. So, I’m hoping for a further improvement from where we’ve been.

“Against France, our set-piece tightened up a lot, because we struggled with that in our first match against Wales. Our mauls are a positive; that’s definitely a strength for us. We’ve looked really dangerous from the maul and managed to cause France some problems with that.

Towards the end of the France game, the boys showed a bit of fight and that’s what we need to do against England. I’ve said to the boys this week, if there was ever a time to get a reaction, this is the time to do it. At home and against England.

“We’re playing them at Myreside, which myself and the squad are really looking forward to. I think we’ll have a decent crowd and they’ll be hoping for a reaction too.”

Show your support for the age-grade team, tickets are still available with U18’s only £1*, adults £10.20 and concessions (students/seniors) £5.10. Secure your tickets here.

All prices are inclusive of VAT and any transaction fees.

*£1 U18 ticket offer ends midnight Thursday 22 February, U18 ticket will increase to £5.10 on match day.

Scotland U20 team to face England U20 at Myreside in the U20 Six Nations this Friday 23 February (kick-off 7.30pm)

15. Paddy Dewhirst (Ayr)*

14. Rory McMichael (Glasgow Hawks)

13. Stafford McDowall (Ayr)** VICE CAPTAIN

12. Callum McLelland (Edinburgh Rugby)

11. Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Hawks)

10. Ross Thompson (Glasgow Hawks)*

9. Charlie Chapman (Gloucester)

1. Shaun Gunn (Edinburgh Accies)*

2. Robbie Smith (Ayr)** CAPTAIN

3. Finlay Richardson (Edinburgh Accies)

4. Ewan Johnson (Racing 92)

5. Jamie Hodgson (Watsonains)*

6. Martin Hughes (Heriots)*

7. Guy Graham (Hawick)

8. Devante Onojaife (Northampton Saints)

Replacements: 16. Bradley Clements (Ealing); 17. Nathan McBeth (Lions); 18. Murphy Walker (Dundee HSFP)*; 19. Marshall Sykes (St Joseph’s College / Northampton Saints); 20. Rory Darge (Melrose)* 21. Kaleem Barreto (Marr)**; 22. Fraser Strachan (Northampton Saints); 23. Logan Trotter (Stirling County)*

*BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy supported players 2017-18

**BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 players 2017-18