U20 side named for England clash

• 21 Feb 2024
• News

Scotland U20 are back in action this Friday night (23 February, kick-off 7.15pm) when they return to Hive Stadium for the final time in the 2024 Under-20 Six Nations campaign.

Head Coach Kenny Murray has confirmed his 23-man squad to host England U20, with Edinburgh’s Jerry Blyth-Lafferty making his first start this tournament at hooker, while clubmate Euan McVie returns to the second row after a game out due to injury.

The starting props remain unchanged for the third game in a row as Robbie Deans and Callum Norrie join Blyth-Lafferty in the front-row.

Vice-captain Ruaraidh Hart remains in the boiler room, a week after making his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors against Dragons at Scotstoun Stadium.

The back row sees no movement since the last time the team were at Hive Stadium, with Number 8 Jonny Morris joining flankers Freddy Douglas and Liam McConnell who continues as captain.

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Fresh from scoring his first Scotland U20 try against France, scrum half Murdoch Lock joins stand off Isaac Coates to complete the half back pairing.

The back five remain unchanged for the third consecutive match. Vice-captain Geordie Gwynn forms the centre pairing with Kerr Yule, as Amena Caqusau and Kerr Johnston take charge of either wing. Fergus Watson completes the starting XV at fullback.

The replacements bench sees newcomer Gavin Parry join Callum Smyth, Ryan Whitefield, Ryan Burke and Tom Currie (who returns to the team after his injury in Wales) cover the forwards, and Eric Davey, Jack Hocking and Johnny Ventisei as options for the backs.

Head coach Kenny Murray said: “After the first fallow week, the team are ready to get going again.

“We came back fighting in the second half against France two weeks ago, but we must play that way consistently if we want to be on the right side of the result against England, who will no doubt bring a very physical performance.

“We are excited to get back out in front of a home crowd for our final home game of the tournament.

Scotland U20 team to face England U20 on Friday 23 February at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (kick off 7.15pm, live on BBC iPlayer) 

15. Fergus Watson* (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Kerr Johnston* (Glasgow Warriors)
13. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice Captain
12. Kerr Yule* (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Amena Caqusau* (Glasgow Warriors)

10. Isaac Coates* (Edinburgh Rugby)
9. Murdoch Lock (Bath Rugby/Bath University)

1. Robbie Deans* (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
3. Callum Norrie* (Glasgow Warriors)
4. Euan McVie* (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ruaraidh Hart* (Glasgow Warriors) – Vice Captain
6. Liam McConnell* (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas* (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Jonny Morris* (Glasgow Warriors)

Replacements

16. Gavin Parry (Pontypridd RFC)
17. Callum Smyth* (Glasgow Warriors)
18. Ryan Whitefield (Biggar RFC)
19. Ryan Burke (Glasgow Warriors)
20. Tom Currie* (Edinburgh Rugby)
21. Eric Davey (Stirling Wolves)
22. Jack Hocking* (Edinburgh Rugby)
23. Johnny Ventisei* (Glasgow Warriors)

*FOSROC Scottish Rugby Contracted Academy Player