France Secures U20 Six Nations Grand Slam
France achieved their first Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam since 2014 by narrowly defeating England in La Rochelle. The French team, known as Les Bleus, secured the championship early in the match, reaching the necessary points by the 26th minute through a strong start featuring four tries and earning the bonus point.
Dylan Cazemajou was a standout player, scoring two tries, while Melvyn Rates and Timeo Frier also contributed tries that put France beyond the reach of second-placed Ireland. Despite France's early dominance and a 21-0 lead, England mounted a comeback with tries from Tyler Offiah and Jimmy Staples.
Elliot Williams added a close-range try to reduce the deficit, and Nick Lilley's converted try gave England the lead under the guidance of coach Andy Titterrell. The French side, aiming for back-to-back titles for the first time in their history, showed signs of nervousness, missing two penalty attempts to retake the lead.
In a critical defensive moment, Saracens wing Noah Caluori executed an impressive try-saving tackle to prevent Cazemajou from scoring a potential hat-trick in the corner. Ultimately, a late try by Gabin Garault secured the victory for France's Under-20 team, surpassing the achievement of the senior national team.
England's defeat in the previous year's tournament final match against Wales had denied them a Grand Slam and allowed France to claim the title. In this year's championship, Titterrell's England side finished third after losses to both Ireland and France.
Match Details and Player Lineups
Tries: Cazemajou 2, Rates, Frier, Garault
Conversions: Keletaona 3
England Tries: Offiah, Staples, Williams, Lilley
Conversions: Keylock 4
France Starting XV: Senga Kouo Gilbert; Cazemajou, Frier, Rasal, Rates; L Keletaona, Tilloles; Jabea Njocke, Garault, Turpin, Veschambre, Bonnard Martin, Marzullo (captain), T Keletaona, Ibsaiene.
Replacements: Basse, Langlois, Pargade, Michaux, Andjisseramatchi, Llaveria, Kretchmann, Guillaud.
England Starting XV: Pater; Caluori, Lilley, Knight, Offiah; Keylock, Friday, Scola, Staples, Streeter, Williams, Ainsworth-Cave, Williams, Kelly, Treacey (captain).
Replacements: Freeman-Price, Spencer, Tonga'uiha, Ogden-Metherell, Marsh, Weimann, Worsnip, Pearson.
