Charlie Elliott

5 days ago | ruck.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

England U20s head coach Mark Mapletoft has explained his decision to name co-captains for this summer’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, as his side looks to defend the title they won in South Africa last year. Newcastle Falcons fullback Ben Redshaw and Sale Sharks lock Tom Burrow have been named as co-captains for the campaign, with both players bringing different qualities and experiences to the leadership role.

5 days ago | ruck.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

Seb Atkinson has had quite the season. The 23-year-old Gloucester centre has become a standout performer in a Cherry and Whites team that rediscovered its flair and identity under George Skivington.  While Atkinson’s skill set has grown on the pitch, it’s the midfielders fitness that has truly set him apart. Earlier this year, he recorded a time of 4 minutes and 8 seconds in the Bronco test – a brutal running drill used to measure rugby conditioning. That mark didn’t just top the Premiership.

1 week ago | therugbypaper.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

This Saturday, a developmental England XV will face off against a French side in an uncapped fixture at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.  With 13 senior players away on British and Irish Lions duty, the match presents a valuable opportunity for emerging talent to impress head coach Steve Borthwick ahead of England’s summer tour of Argentina, which also includes a one-off test against the USA in Washington. The contest marks England’s first appearance since wrapping up the Six Nations in March.

1 week ago | ruck.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

Newcastle Falcons and England U20 fullback Ben Redshaw, who is set to join Gloucester this summer, captained his country for the first time at this level in a recent warm-up victory over Wales ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship.  The opportunity marked a significant personal moment for Redshaw, who had missed both the U20 Six Nations earlier this year and the final of last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship due to injury.

1 week ago | ruck.co.uk | Charlie Elliott

Following Bath’s Premiership win over Leicester Tigers, back row Ted Hill has been thrust straight into England duty. He is part of the training squad assembled ahead of England XV’s game against France XV on Saturday, alongside fellow title-winners and some of the Tigers contingent that he helped overcome in the final. The game will serve as a warm-up for the upcoming England tour to the Americas, with one Test against the USA and two against Argentina on the horizon this summer.