The Academy forward, who hails from Monkton Combe and Bradford on Avon RFC, is in the second row for the second match running after featuring in the narrow loss against France Under-18s last weekend.

Billy Sela (Beechen Cliff and Royal Wootton Bassett RFC) and Ieuan Davies (Millfield and Neath Athletic RFC) started against France but will earn their next Under-18s caps as replacements.

England’s player pathway programme is a vital development tool for future international rugby; of the 36-player squad named for the Guinness Six Nations, 32 of them played England Under-18s.

Head Coach Jonathan Pendlebury said: “Congratulations to every player in the matchday squad on their selection to play Wales, it is one of the truly special international matchups.

“Last week’s end result wasn’t the one we were after, but we were proud of the way the lads wore the rose and that some of the focus areas we have worked on across the season came out through the game. To score four good team tries and create further scoring opportunities in challenging conditions was excellent, we thought.

“Twelve players made their debut against France, and they’ve all gained invaluable international experience that they can now take into their clash with Wales on Sunday.”

Bennett starts for England U18 with Sela and Davies on the bench

Related News