Late change for England U20

 

Bainbridge's call-up comes after Joe Batley from Gloucester was ruled out through illness.

 

The back-row who featured against Wales during the Six Nations will join up with the squad tomorrow when they fly to Italy.  England start their campaign against Japan on Tuesday June 2.

 

head coach Jon Callard said: "We all really feel for Joe [Batley] but the positive is, given his age, he will have the opportunity to be part of the programme next year.  

 

"It wouldn't be in his best interest to expect him to recover in time and then perform so soon after illness.  The decision was made collectively with the medics and coaches, we need to do what is best for him.

 

"Josh [Bainbridge] was involved earlier in the season and we now look forward to him re-joining the squad. He also has two years playing at this age group and will really benefit and develop through the experience of a world championship."

 

England Under-20 Squad: Sebastian Adeniran-Olule, Josh Bainbridge, Charles Beckett, Oli Bryant, James Chisholm, Maxwell Clark, Lloyd Evans, Charlie  Ewels (captain), Ellis Genge, Paul Hill, Owen Hills, Tom Howe, Jack Innard, Rory Jennings, Lewis Ludlam, James Mitchell, Aaron  Morris, Piers O'Conor, William Owen, Howard Packman, Ciaran Parker, George Perkins, Samuel Skinner, Nick Tompkins, Stuart Townsend, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Walker, William Witty.