Mercer on board to spearhead bid for world crown
ZACH Mercer will be on hand to help England U20s retain their world crown after being named in Dean Ryan’s squad for the upcoming Junior World Championships in Georgia in June.
The influential Bath No.8 was not included in Eddie Jones senior squad for the tour to Argentina and will be one of six players who were involved in last year’s successful campaign in Manchester.
All but two players from the 28man squad featured in England’s recent Six Nations Grand Slam, with Leicester openside Will Evans and Saracens playmaker Ali Crossdale the additions.
Ryan will have to do without Joe Cokanasiga, Tom Curry, Ben Curry, Nick Isiekwe and Jack Maunder however after they were called up to Jones’ squad on Thursday.
“Following the England U20 Grand Slam earlier this year, it is great to have five players earn places in the senior squad,” said Ryan, the RFU head of international player development.
“The Six Nations showed that we have a large pool of young talent and that competition for places is high. We’re looking forward to seeing which players now take the opportunity to make their mark in the World Championship this summer as this group continues to develop.”
Playing all of their Pool A matches in the Avchala Stadium, the reigning champions will open their campaign against Samoa on May 31 before taking on Wales and Australia.