Castle Park to host England u19s v France U19s
27th October 2025
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) can today confirm the England U19 Men’s side will face France U19 next spring at Castle Park, Doncaster, with tickets on sale now.
The Men’s Pathway sides meet in Yorkshire on Saturday 4th April 2026 (14:00 BST kick-off) at the home of CHAMP Rugby club Doncaster Knights. The venue previously hosted England vs. France at U19 level in 2024, the former losing in a 24-21 narrow defeat.
The U19 Men’s side serves as an avenue for England Rugby pathway players to develop their skillsets with meaningful gametime on the international circuit, with fixtures also giving valuable minutes to players then eligible for selection in the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Championship.
England defeated Scotland and Japan in home encounters this year before a reverse away to France, with players such as Noah Caluori, Will Knight, Jonny Weimann, Ollie Streeter, Aidan Ainsworth-Cave, Connor Treacey, Tyler Offiah, Oli Scola, Seb Kelly and Nick Lilley going on to earn their U20 debuts or add to their caps this summer.
The U19 Men’s side will be supported by a combination of England Rugby Men’s Pathway staff and guest coaches to enrich learning experiences and maximise development opportunities for players and staff. Confirmation of staffing will follow in due course.
Doncaster Knights boast previously capped pathway players in their 2025/26 squad, including Josh Bainbridge, Oliver Fox, Morgan Jones, Jordan Olowofela, Andrew Turner and Jordan Williams, as well as former senior men’s representative Semesa Rokoduguni.
England U19 Men will also face Wales in the side’s first encounter of the campaign on Friday 19th December in Ystrad Mynach. Further information on future U19 Men’s fixtures will be communicated in due course.
Andy Titterrell, England U20 Men’s head coach, said: “As an ever-evolving pathway, we have planned to create earlier touchpoints with our most promising talent looking to break into the U20 set-up next year.
“Our U19 programme epitomises our ethos of building togetherness and growing the rose across the pathway, with involvement from U18 and U20 staff that are relishing these competitive outings.
“Recent contests with France in the Men’s Pathway have been entertaining, fiercely contested battles that have benefitted both unions’ development of players. We look forward to writing another chapter at a fantastic venue in Castle Park after kicking off the programme’s campaign against Wales.”
Doncaster Knights Club President Steve Lloyd said: “We’re delighted to once again welcome England U19s and France U19s to Castle Park. Hosting this fixture again is a real honour for Doncaster Knights and a reflection of our fantastic facilities and warm Yorkshire welcome.
“It’s always exciting to see the next generation of international talent take to the field, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting the future of the game. We look forward to an excellent contest and a memorable occasion for players, supporters, and everyone involved.”
Tickets to see England U19 Men face France at Castle Park, Doncaster next April are available here. For Executive Boxes and hospitality tables, please contact [email protected]
England U19 Men’s 2025/26 confirmed fixtures
Wales U19 Men vs. England U19 Men – Friday 19th December 2025, 15:00 GMT KO – Ystrad Mynach
England U19 Men vs. France U19 Men – Saturday 4th April 2026, 14:00 BST KO – Castle Park, Doncaster
