England vs Ireland U20 Predictions - Ireland to edge England in Pool C

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Brad Newcomb 1 hour ago

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Ireland on a 4-match winning streak.
England finished 3rd in Six Nations; lost to Ireland during the campaign.
Ireland tipped to cover the +8.5 handicap in their World Rugby U20 opener.

Ireland defeated England in the 2026 Six Nations U20 Championship (Getty Images)

England finished third at the recent Six Nations U20 Championship but lost to Ireland during the tournament. Ireland have been performing well lately, often winning their matches.

Ireland have won 4 consecutive matches.
Ireland beat England by 10 points earlier this year.
England have won 3 of their last 5 fixtures.

Head to Head

England and Ireland each have nine victories apiece, including two draws in 20 meetings since 2012.

England U20 Form

England had a decent 2026 Six Nations U20 Championship campaign, finishing third overall. They defeated Wales 19-16, Scotland 33-17, lost 31-21 to Ireland, and beat Italy 37-17 before losing to France 31-28.

Before that, England had some success at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship. They defeated Scotland 56-19, lost 32-22 to South Africa, edged Australia 36-33, and thumped Wales 51-13 before losing 68-40 to Australia to finish sixth overall.

England will aim to start their campaign with a victory, but they have a tricky opening World Rugby U20 Championship match against Ireland, as they lost to their opponents in February.

Ireland U20 Form

Ireland fell short in their bid to win this year's Six Nations U20 Championship, finishing second. They lost to France 50-21, beat Italy 30-27, England 31-21, Wales 48-33, and Scotland 47-14.

Ireland struggled at last year's World Rugby U20 Championship. They defeated Georgia 35-28 and lost to Italy 18-16, New Zealand 69-22, and Scotland 22-21 before defeating Spain 38-37 to finish 11th in the tournament.

Ireland performed well earlier this year, winning four consecutive matches, including against England, giving them the edge needed to secure the win in their opening Pool C game.

Team News

England

Forwards: Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Kealan Freeman-Price, Jerold Gorleku, Patrick Hogg, Seb Kelly, Jack Lewis, George Marsh, Freddie Ogden-Metherell, Alan Poku, Oliver Scola, Oliver Spencer, Jimmy Staples, Ollie Streeter, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Connor Treacey, Elliot Williams, Tate Williams

Backs: Finlay Cunnison, Zac Finch, Lucas Friday, Finn Keylock, Will Knight, Nick Lilley, George Newman, Tyler Offiah, James Pater, George Pearson, Hugh Shields, Jonny Weimann, Sam Winters

Ireland

Forwards: Sami Bishti, Ben Blaney, Jamie Conway, Adam Cooper, Max Doyle, Joe Finn, Rian Handley, Charlie Keane, Alex Lautsou, Duinn Maguire, Blake McClean, Donnacha McGuire, Luke McLaughlin, Dylan McNeice, Josh Neill, Diarmaid O'Connell, Paddy Woods

Backs: Christopher Barrett, Noah Byrne, Rob Carney, Jack Deegan, Daniel Green, Charlie Molony, James O'Dwyer, James O'Leary, Charlie O'Shea, Johnny O'Sullivan, Daniel Ryan, Sean Walsh, Tom Wood

Verdict

England v Ireland U20

Ireland have been in solid form this year and are tipped to cover the +8.5 handicap in their opening World Rugby U20 Championship match against England.

Ireland +8.5

Handicap

@1.81 - 3 Units

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