Ben Redshaw, the new Gloucester Rugby signing, will co-captain the England U20s as they face South Africa U20s in their second match of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship. The clash takes place on Friday at 5pm UK time at Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo.
Following a dominant 56-19 victory over Scotland in Verona on opening day, England look to continue their strong start. Redshaw, who officially joined Gloucester from Newcastle Falcons on July 1 ahead of the 2025/26 season, is considered one of England’s brightest young prospects. He will start at fullback (15) alongside Sale Sharks’ Tom Burrow, who shares captaincy duties.
The backline includes two changes: Nic Allison of Exeter Chiefs starts at inside centre, and Redshaw takes the right wing, with Jack Bracken shifting to left wing after a two-try performance in Matchday 1. The forward pack integrates fresh starters Kepu Tuipulotu and Vilikesa Sela from Bath Rugby, and Olamide Sodeke from Saracens. Connor Treacey, former U18 and U19 captain, debuts as blindside flanker.
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On the bench, Sale Sharks hooker Alfie Longstaff and Saracens wing Noah Caluori may make their U20 debuts. England defence coach Nathan Catt highlighted the challenge ahead, stating, “South Africa always promises to be a very testing yet exciting fixture. We want our boys to commit to the moment throughout and build strongly together. Our goal is to create lifelong memories by raising our level of high performance every week, and this match will be no exception.”
Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the match live and free streaming on RugbyPass TV.
England U20 starting XV:
15 Josh Bellamy, 14 Ben Redshaw (cc), 13 Nick Lilley, 12 Nic Allison, 11 Jack Bracken, 10 Ben Coen, 9 Jonny Weimann, 1 Ralph McEachran, 2 Kepu Tuipulotu, 3 Vilikesa Sela, 4 Olamide Sodeke, 5 Tom Burrow (cc), 6 Connor Treacey, 7 Samuel Williams, 8 Kane James.
Replacements:
16 Alfie Longstaff, 17 Oli Scola, 18 Tye Raymont, 19 Junior Kpoku, 20 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, 21 Archie McParland, 22 Campbell Ridl, 23 Noah Caluori.