Gloucester will host an England Under-20s fixture next year.

Kingsholm has been selected for the 2020 U20 Six Nations match against Wales, taking place on Friday, March 6.

England will open their U20s Six Nations campaign against France at Stade des Alpes, Grenoble on Saturday, 1 February (8pm GMT).

They will next face Scotland at Myreside in Edinburgh on Friday 7 February (7.30pm GMT).

Franklin’s Gardens then plays host as England take on Ireland at the home of Northampton Saints on Friday, 21 February.

England’s game against Wales in Gloucester is the penultimate one of the Six Nations before they finish their campaign against Italy in Verona at Payanini Rugby Center on Sunday 15 March (5.30pm GMT).

RFU head of professional rugby Nigel Melville, the former Gloucester head coach, said: “It’s always important that we put our aspiring England players into the right environment to play international rugby and these are two top-class traditional home venues.

Nigel Melville during his time as Gloucester coach
Nigel Melville during his time as Gloucester coach

“Both have huge supporter bases locally for the game and I know they will all be interested in seeing the next generation of England players in action and we hope they come out in force for the games against Wales and Ireland. They will expect to see a high standard of rugby and I hope the players will rise to the challenge in that type of environment, which will again be important for the development as future internationals.

“For the U20s the Six Nations is becoming increasingly important as the transition from this age group into the national team is now a lot closer. So for the players to experience an international tournament against some of their great rivals is vital to their journey into senior rugby.

“Players are progressing into senior rugby a lot quicker and the U20s is a very clear stage for them to show their potential to go onto the next level. To also play against your peers, who you could then face for the next 10 years at various levels is also exciting and the chance to represent your country on this stage is also a proud moment in their fledgling careers.”

Gloucester Rugby chief executive Lance Bradley said: “We’re delighted to welcome the England U20s back to Kingsholm.

“International games have always proved popular here, with the Gloucester Rugby faithful turning out in numbers and creating a great atmosphere. The best up and coming English and Welsh talent will be on display so it should be a great occasion.”