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Fans will be able to watch the game live through the Six Nations Rugby digital channels.

Tomorrow’s match pits the two unbeaten teams from last year’s Six Nations Under-18 Festival in France, after each won three straight games.

Henry Pollock will captain the team against France, with Will Owen and Reuben Logan joining in the back row.

Louie Trevett, Jacob Oliver and Tye Raymont form a front row with growing international experience.

Junior Kpoku and Tom Burrow are the blocking pairing, with Archie McParland and Tom Threlfall partnering on the halves.

In midfield, Toby Baker and Ollie Davies join in the 12 and 13 shirts respectively, while Jack Bracken and Ned McCormack will make their England U18 debut on the wings.

The experienced Conor Byrne has been named full-back.

Seven players could make their England U18 debut from an extended bench, including Oscar Beckerleg, George Timmins, Jack Lightbown, Lucas Friday, Josh Bellamy, Charlie Myall and Charlie Griffin.

Kepueli Tuipulotu, Ralph McEachran, Billy Sela and Ben Redshaw are the other replacements.

(Players selected in the Six Nations Festival men’s under-18 team must have been born on or after January 1, 2005, and as such, not all players who participated in the two friendlies are eligible for this tournament.)

At the 2023 festival, the men’s teams will play three separate 70-minute matches, with each player looking to start at least one game with continuous substitutions to ensure the best development opportunity for athletes throughout the festival.

Pendlebury said: “The players have prepared well all week after arriving in Dublin. They’ve been focused on what’s the next learning opportunity for them, but they’re also very proud to be playing in a prestigious tournament.

“We are looking forward to going against France again to open our Six Nations Festival campaign. We had a heavy blow against them last month at Esher Rugby Club; they are a skilled, physical side that presents a challenge that the boys are enjoying as they continue to develop throughout the international season.

“Congratulations to all those shortlisted, including the rookies for whom this will be a very special occasion.”

U-18 Men’s Six Nations Festival Matches:

England v France – Saturday April 8 – KO 17:30
Italy v England – Wednesday April 12 – KO 15:15
Ireland v England – Sunday April 16 – KO 16:30

England’s player path program is a vital development tool for future international rugby union and the Men’s Under-18 Six Nations Festival is a key part of that.

England Under 18 Men v France Under 18

1. Louie Trevett (Academy: Bristol Bears, School: Clifton College)
2. Jacob Oliver (Newcastle Falcons, Barnard Castle School)
3. Tye Raymont (Yorkshire Academy, Bishop Burton University)
4. Junior Kpoku (Finborough School)
5. Tom Burrow (Yorkshire Academy, Heckmondwike GS)
6. Reuben Logan (Central Midlands, Berkhamsted School)
7. Henry Pollock (C; Northampton Saints, Stowe School)
8. Will Owen (West Midlands, Ellesmere College)
9. Archie McParland (Northampton Saints, Stowe School)
10. Tom Threlfall (Leicester Tigers, Nottingham Institute)
11. Jack Bracken (Saracens, St Albans School)*
12. Toby Baker (Yorkshire Academy, St Peters School)*
13. Ollie Davies (Selling Sharks, Kirkham Grammar)
14. Ned McCormack (Yorkshire Academy, Woodhouse Grove)*
15. Conor Byrne (Harlequins, Trinity School)

replacements

16. Kepueli Tuipulotu (London Irish, Harrow School)
17. Ralph McEachran (London Irish, The Bishop Wand School)
18. Billy Sela (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff)
19. Oscar Beckerleg (Exeter Chiefs, Truro College)*
20. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Millfield School)*
21. Jack Lightbown (Sale Sharks, Bolton Sixth Form)*
22. Ben Redshaw (Newcastle Falcons, Sedbergh School)
23. Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Trinity School)*
24. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Trinity School)*
25. Charlie Myall (Central Midlands, Oxford City University)*
26. Charlie Griffin (London Irish, Harrow School)*

*Debut