England finished fourth in last year’s edition in Mapletoft’s first tournament in charge, with their last triumph coming in 2016 when they beat Ireland in the final 45-21.
Following a pool-stage draw with Ireland 34-34, England swept aside Fiji 53-7 and drew with Australia 2222 before coming unstuck in the semi-finals 52-31 against eventual winners France.
England ended their campaign with a 3rd-place loss to South Africa 22-15 but with a new group and a devastating set piece, there’s reasons for optimism that the Red Rose could be a force in South Africa.
Leicester Tigers versatile forward Finn Carnduff, who can operate in the second row and back row, became the first England U20s player in three years to lead his nation to Six Nations glory back in March.
Carnduff continues his captaincy this summer as the squad’s most experienced player with 15 competitive caps.
In the victorious Six Nations campaign that saw comprehensive wins over Italy, Wales and Scotland before a 32-32 draw with Ireland and then a thrilling 45-31 victory away in France to seal the title, 22 current squad members earned caps in the Championship and recently 18 of the squad made senior competitive appearances for their clubs in the 2023/24 season.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
