WORCESTER Warriors trio Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence and James Scott have been named in England under 20s’ squad for Friday’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Cork (7.15pm).

Blindside flanker Hill will start with lock Scott and centre Lawrence named among the replacements.

Hill, who won a senior cap as a replacement against Japan at Twickenham in November, has been named as England’s vice-captain with Northampton centre Fraser Dingwall leading the side.

The Worcester-born 19-year-old is one of nine players in England’s starting XV who have been capped at this level and one of seven who played in last year’s World Rugby U20s Championship final in France.

England head coach Steve Bates said: “The message to the squad this week has been that this is a great opportunity for them to show how good they are at the start of another Six Nations campaign and they should play with confidence.

“This is a very exciting, talented group of players and they should not forget to play like it, we have to go out there on Friday and really express ourselves on the pitch but we know we have to respect the opposition who will be positive about their chances in this competition as well.

“This is a team full of experience, who are hugely talented and it is a shame we can only pick 15 as we’ve left out some very good players.

“The replacements will all be expected to make an impact on Friday, while the wider squad who will not be in Ireland, will also be required at various points in the competition and we need everyone to stay involved as they will play further down the line.”

England U20s: Hodge; Sleightholme, Dingwall, Hardwick, Murley; Smith, Maunder; Adkins, Dolly,

Street, Kpoku, Coles, Hill, Hinkley, Willis.

Replacements: Atkins, Rodd, Heyes, Scott, Tuima, Fox, Redpath, Lawrence.