Ireland Under-20s Stun England To Claim Brilliant Win In Bath

The Ireland Under-20s (sponsored by PwC) produced their most complete performance of the year so far, as tries from Lee Fitzpatrick, Josh Neill, Daniel Ryan, and Noah Byrne inspired a 31-21 victory over England in Bath.

UNDER-20 MEN’S SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 3:

Friday, February 20 –

ENGLAND UNDER-20s 21 IRELAND UNDER-20s 31, Recreation Ground
Scorers: England U-20s: Tries: George Pearson, Connor Treacey, Nick Lilley; Cons: Finn Keylock 2, Ollie Davies
Ireland U-20s: Tries: Lee Fitzpatrick, Josh Neill, Daniel Ryan, Noah Byrne; Cons: Tom Wood 4; Pen: Charlie O’Shea
HT: England Under-20s 14 Ireland Under-20s 7

Leinster Academy back rower Neill was the player-of-the-match for the second week running, as Andrew Browne’s youngsters made it back-to-back bonus wins to temporarily draw level with France at the top of the U-20 Six Nations table.

Full-back Byrne had a big influence again at the Rec, and his early break was followed by Fitzpatrick’s 10th-minute opener. Unbeaten across the first two rounds, England hit back to lead 14-7 at half-time courtesy of scores from George Pearson and Connor Treacy.

However, Ireland touched down three times between the 51st and 68th minutes, Neill’s rampaging effort sparking the best out of the visitors with Ryan and Byrne, who finished superbly from his own kick through, also scoring.

Impressive out-half Tom Wood made it a double-scores lead (28-14) with all three conversions, and despite Ollie Davies grabbing England’s third try, replacement Charlie O’Shea’s cracking 75th-minute penalty had the visitors out of reach.

The result continues Ireland’s fine recent record in the Championship on English soil. They have now won three of their last four away games against England in the U-20 Six Nations, and also drew 32-all in Bath two years ago.

Speaking after the Ireland U-20s’ first back-to-back Six Nations wins since 2024, captain Sami Bishti said: “Absolutely incredible, we had to fight hard. Half-time they were really testing us, so I’m proud of the lads to dig deep. Really special.

“That’s strength of group, the depth, they come on and add impact. It’s amazing to watch, I’m super proud. We said, ‘Round three we have to go at this’, so I couldn’t be more proud.”

Full report to follow…