Fixtures, results and BBC coverage times for the Under-20 Six Nations Championship.

BBC Sport

Both Ireland and England were undefeated in the competition last year, drawing a thriller 32-32 in Bath.

England came from behind to beat France with a bonus point in Pau and pip Ireland to the title by one point.

In July, Mark Mapletoft's side added the World Under-20 Championship to their Six Nations title, beating France in the final.

Image source, Getty Images

Ireland - Eanna McCarthy

The Connacht academy player has been named Ireland captain even though Thursday's match against England will be his under-20 debut.

Ireland have produced a number of high-quality back rowers in recent years and the all-action McCarthy will hope he is another one off the conveyor belt.

With seven returning players from last season, being handed the captaincy shows how highly McCarthy is rated in the Irish system.

Image source, Getty Images

England - Kepu Tuipulotu

The 19-year-old hooker has already made his Bath debut in both Europe and the Premiership.

Tuipulotu is an abrasive ball carrier and showed all that skill against Ireland Under-18s in 2023 when he bounced off multiple defenders, external, external to score a superb solo try.

The son of former Tonga and Dragons centre Sione, and brother of current Wales women's international Sisilia, he is also eligible for Wales.

Could strong performances see him fast-tracked into the England senior set-up to fend off possible Welsh interest?Get a full list of players to watch across the U20 Six Nations here

BBC Sport

England

Jack van Poortvliet played at both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the U20 Six nations. He captained his side to victory in the 2021 edition and made his senior England debut the following year. Van Poortvliet has been named in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2025 six nations tournament.

Fin Baxter played a handful of games in England’s 2021 U20 Six Nations side and captained the U20s in the 2022 edition of the tournament. The prop received his first senior call up in May 2024 and has been named in the 2025 Six Nations squad.

Wales

Jac Morgan captained Wales in the U20 Six Nations in 2020, achieving more turnovers than any other player in the tournament before it got halted due to the COVID pandemic. He made his senior Wales debut in 2022 and has made 17 appearances, and will captain Wales for the 2025 Six Nations tournament.

Evan Lloyd played for Wales in the 2021 U20 Six Nations Championship. The Hooker has made five senior appearances since he made his debut in 2024 and will look to add to that as a part of the 2025 Six Nations squad.

Wales’ Freddie Thomas actually played for England in the 2021 U20 Six Nations tournament. The Gloucester-born player has made just one appearance for the senior team but has a spot in the 2025 Six Nations squad.

Dan Edwards is one of two uncapped players in the Welsh 2025 six nations squad. He made his U20s debut in the 2020 Six Nations, and started all six matches in the 2023 U20 Six Nations edition.

Ireland

Gus McCarthy captained Ireland to victory in the 2023 U20 Six Nations tournament. He made his senior debut in November 2024, and scored a week later on the 150th anniversary of the IRFU.

France

Nolann Le Garrec played for France in the 2021 U20 Six Nations. The scrum-half has made six appearances for the seniors since making his debut in 2024.

Nicolas Depoortere captained France in the 2023 U20 Six Nations tournament, and made his debut for the senior team in 2024.

BBC iPlayer

BBC Sport will have live coverage of every match in the Under 20s Six Nations, starting with Ireland taking on England at Musgrave Park in Cork.

All of the coverage information for the Under 20 Six Nations can be found below.

Thursday 30th January

Ireland v England (19:35 - 21:45) - Coverage available via BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Friday 31st January

Scotland v Italy (19:05 - 21:15) - Coverage available via BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Saturday 1st February

France v Wales (20:00 - 22:10) - Coverage available via BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Full list of coverage details here

Get Inspired
#GetInspired

Why get into rugby union?

If you enjoy being active and want to build your fitness with team mates then this is the game for you.

Who is it for?

It's one of the most inclusive sports around and there are various versions of the game that you can test out.

Is there a cheap option?

You can just play touch rugby in the park with a bunch of friends or family, but joining a club can be inexpensive.

What if I want a proper workout?

From scrummaging to tackling, to sprinting with the ball, this can be a high intensity workout that will boost both your fitness and your strength.

Can I take it to another level?

Work your way up. Start with a club then look to your county and from there people will start noticing you.

Is there a disability option?

Wheelchair rugby was a big hit at the 2012 Paralympics. There are now chances to have a go all over the UK.

Is there a family option?

Most clubs will cater for all the family with kids' teams, and men's and women's teams for mum and dad.

• Tag rugby , externalis a great introduction to the sport for youngsters, with tackling replaced by a cloth attached players' waists, which opposition players have to remove and shout 'tag!', leaving the ball carrier with three seconds to pass.
• Touch rugby, external is similar to tag, except all a defender needs to do is touch the opposition to tackle.
• Search for your local club in England, , externalScotland, , externalWales, external or Northern Ireland., external