Fylde RFC is delighted to announce that the Woodlands Memorial Ground will be the venue when England Under 18s take on France U18s on Sunday, February 19th (KO 14.00).

England U18 coach John Fletcher said: “We’re really excited about heading up to Fylde for what promises to be a great game against a strong France side and it would be superb to get a big crowd down to support us. The way the fixtures fell last season meant that we didn’t get to play the French, so we’re excited about renewing some old acquaintances. This season’s Under 18s squad is much changed from last year’s group but we have some talented lads who will work extremely hard and give their all.”

Paddy Dowling, Fylde's Chairman of Rugby, said: “We're really pleased to have secured this fixture and to bring the very talented England squad to the Lancashire Coast. We have staged many representative games at the Woodlands over the years including England v Wales U16s fixture last April. The England set-up is a production line of young talent with some likely members of the squad who have already made their débuts for Premiership clubs so we are looking forward to top quality rugby.

“We're delighted that the RFU recognises our proven abilities to stage such a high quality fixture with efficiency, imagination and panache. And we'll give our Gallic visitors a most hospitable Lancashire welcome!”

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Background information

Under the stewardship of Fletcher, England U18 have enjoyed several years of success, with 24 wins in their last 27 internationals, including their most recent triumph – a 46-19 win against Australia last August.

Fletcher names provisional U18 squad