The Ireland U20s kick off their World Rugby U20 Championship this weekend as they clash with old foes England in their first encounter this Saturday and try extend their dominance to world rugby. We've all the info on how to watch Ireland U20s v England right here.
The Championship sees the world's top 12 U20s sides face off in South Africa for the first time since the pandemic and after Ireland's recent form, they're one of the favourites to win the competition.
When is Ireland U20s v England?
Ireland U20s v England will kick-off at 12:30pm (Irish Time) this Saturday, 24th of June in Paarl South Africa.
How to watch Ireland U20s v England
Watch Ireland U20s v England live on Virgin Media Two, as well as 19 other games including all the Ireland U20s matches. Coverage of Ireland U20s v England begins half an hour before kick-off at Noon and directly after live coverage of Argentina U20s v Italy.
19 March 2023; Ireland captain Gus McCarthy lifts the trophy after the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
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Form Guide
Ireland couldn't ask for much better form going into this game. They successfully defended their Six Nations Grand Slam in February, meaning Ireland haven't suffered a competitive loss in two seasons now. Head coach Richie Murphy has stuck with a proven side as 26 of the 30 men travelling played some part in Ireland's Grand Slam triumph.
England on the other hand have had two seasons of mixed results. They started their Six Nations well beating Italy, Scotland and Wales without too much labour, however, they met a strong French team in the penultimate round and ultimately couldn't live with them losing 42-7.
The Ireland U20s have beaten England on the last two occasions they've met. Given the nature of U20s rugby, the squads were nearly entirely different two years ago when the Ireland U20s won 42-27. However, in February Ireland comfortably beat England 36-24 to win the Championship with nearly identical sides.
With Ireland's key men Gus McCarthy and Sam Prendergast back again for this tournament with senior professional rugby under their belts the Ireland U20s will be the favourites this Saturday, but ultimately nobody knows what England will show up with or how good they'll be.
READ ALSO: Sam Prendergast And His Starring Role For The Ireland U20s This Summer
Prendergast with the assist as Vakhtang Abdaladze hits a stunnign line.
What a finish from the Georgian international🔥pic.twitter.com/jKJ6GvUP8O— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 15, 2023
Team News
CHECK OUT THE TEAMS: Ireland U20s Name Largely Unchanged XV For World Championship Opener VS England
That's all the info you need on how to watch Ireland U20s v England this Saturday.
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20 May 2023; Leinster players watch as La Rochelle lift the trophy after the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between Leinster and La Rochelle at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
