England women’s U20 will play France U20 in a two-match series as part of the side’s 2023 campaign, the Rugby Football Union has announced.
Ella Lovibond (Photo by Henry Browne – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
The series kicks off at Wellington College on Saturday, 8 April (K.O. 14:00), where admission into the match will be free and will also be streamed on England Rugby channels.
The second match will be played across the channel the following week, with France hosting England in Tours on Saturday, 15 April.
The two nations faced off twice last year, with England falling just short in both matches, including a 35-14 loss in Normandy followed by a close 32-27 defeat at Henley RFC.
Ahead of the two-match series, England women’s U20 open their 2023 campaign in a one-off clash with Scotland at Kingston Park, Newcastle on Saturday, 25 March, which will be played at the completion of the Red Roses’ own fixture against Scotland.
Those who have purchased a ticket to the Red Roses match will be able to watch the England women’s U20 at no extra cost. The match will also be live streamed on the England Rugby YouTube channel.
A wider training squad entered a development camp this week, ahead of next week’s clash.
England women’s U20 head coach, Lou Meadows, said: “The wider coaching staff and I have been constantly impressed by the level of technical skill, physicality, and commitment to continuous development from the players in the squad, making selection extremely difficult.
“The players have been working very hard within their Club and University programs and we are all very much looking forward to the seeing their efforts transfer onto the pitch in what I am sure will be some thrilling tests.
“This is the start of a new Rugby World Cup cycle and so playing against Scotland and France will provide very real opportunities for these women to start laying the platform to put their hands up for a Red Roses jersey in 2025.”
With thanks to the RFU
