Cambridge Rugby Club to host World Rugby Under-20 Championship winners England in friendly fixture early next year

Cambridge have announced a prestigious friendly against World Cup winners England Under-20s.

The youngsters, who clinched the World Rugby U20 Championship title thanks to a 21-13 victory over their French counterparts in South Africa last year, will visit Ellgia Fields on 11 January, 2025.

Cambridge head coach Richie Williams said: “England are coming off the back of winning their World Cup in South Africa. A lot of the squad that won the trophy will be involved again this season and we'll probably face a lot of those players in the Championship so to have this fixture and the opportunity to host an England game will be fantastic.

“Of our current players, Jack Bartlett, Matty Jones and Billy Walker have all gone through the England Under-20s pathway. Former mini and youth players Fraser Dingwall and Will Hooley did likewise. And, historically, former players such as Ben Spencer, George Furbank, Jamie Benson, Alex Moon, Alex Coles, Alex Day and Ehren Painter have done the same.”

Meanwhile, club chairman Tim Hague added: “This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our great club, and a great chance for all rugby supporters in the region to watch an England side on their doorstep.

“The Championship has always been a strong advocate of the talent pathway, and this game will further show the part we can play in supporting the development of English talent. We're really looking forward to it – what a prestige fixture for us to be hosting.”

News of the fixture came following Cambridge’s 36-19 home defeat to RFU Championship leaders Coventry on Saturday.

Williams’ side will be back in action on Friday (11 October) when they travel to face Hartpury University.