England U20 Men’s Elite Player Squad announced for 2025/26

September 17, 2025
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Ultimate Rugby

England U20 Men’s head coach Andy Titterrell and assistant coach Kevin Sorrell have named their Elite Player Squad (EPS) for the 2025/26 season.

Titterrell was recently announced as the side’s head coach after progressing from an assistant role alongside Mark Mapletoft, who now heads up the Men’s Player Pathway programme. Sorrell joins to lead on backs coaching in the U20 set-up and aligning defence principles across the men’s pathway.

With an even forwards and backs split in the 50-player wider squad, the group will form the basis of selection for the U20 Men’s side this season inclusive of the 2026 U20 Six Nations. The Men’s Professional Game Partnership established the expanded EPS to enable greater playing opportunities in the international arena for those in the ‘Confirmation’ phase of the pathway development system.

As a crucial footing to the senior men’s international side, the England Rugby Men’s Player Pathway programme previously provided age-grade playing development opportunities to 30 of the 36 touring senior internationals to Argentina and the USA this summer. Former U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship winner Henry Pollock also progressed to tour with the British & Irish Lions.

"Congratulations must go to all of those named in our EPS as we look to strengthen and evolve as a collective this season," said Titterrell. "Selection has been continuous, challenging process over the last year, with a talent pool filled with unique players full of belief. The players’ experience in the pathway will ensure a streamlined squad integration accompanied with some new faces to form a relentless team bond.

"Alongside Kev, our aim is to foster a cooperative environment in order to build our connection as a squad and to meet the demands of a fresh campaign."