A TRIO of Warriors academy youngsters helped England under-20s win the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in an emphatic 45-21 final against Ireland U20s at AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Saturday.
Lock Huw Taylor, hooker Jack Singleton and second rower Andrew Kitchener helped to sweep aside the Irish to lift the coveted trophy for the third time in four years, with Taylor crossing the whitewash once again to continue his impressive scoring record for his country.
England scored three first-half tries through Joe Marchant, Callum Chick and Taylor, with Harry Mallinder converting all three to go into the break 21-0 up.
Entering the second-half, Ireland came back into the game with converted tries from Adam McBurney and Shane Daly, but Mallinder crossed twice for England, whilst also kicking two conversions and a penalty.
A second try from Marchant, which Mallinder again converted, added further gloss to England’s thrilling victory, despite Ireland’s late consolation through Max Deegan.
England’s unbeaten route to the final was confirmed with group stage victories against Italy, Scotland and Australia and a semi-final win over South Africa.
Head coach Martin Haag said: “The performance was outstanding. I thought the way we adapted and turned defence into attack was brilliant and we played with superb high intensity.
“We still missed some opportunities and in the second period we let them back into the game, but the way the players handled the pressure over the 80 minutes is massive credit to them. We’ve shown incredible team spirit which is a key ingredient to any side.
“We’re in a good place. These players have a huge amount of potential and a bright future ahead of them.
“The key thing for me is they’ve made some friendships and bonds which will last for life and have made a little bit of history for themselves.
“Some of this group will be available next year and we want to continue the great work being done at under-16 and 18 level by John Fletcher and the player pathway.”