England’s journey to redemption in the U20 Championship is being portrayed in a new and captivating five-part documentary series entitled Embedded, now available on RugbyPass TV. This series provides a unique and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the team’s effort to use their disappointment from last year’s tournament as motivation in their quest for a fourth world title.
Under the guidance of Mark Mapletoft, the team faced a challenging defeat at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship, as eventual champions France capitalized on Finn Carnduff’s second-half yellow card to secure a 52-31 victory. Despite also losing the third-place play-off against South Africa, England’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in a noteworthy U20 Six Nations Grand Slam victory.
With a renewed sense of determination, the squad has set out on their journey to South Africa with the goal of securing their first U20 Championship win since 2016. Embedded offers valuable insights into the team’s preparations, with the first episode already released, providing a detailed look at the lead-up to their opening match.
Nathan Michelow, the team’s number eight, candidly shared the lessons learned from last year’s defeat, emphasizing the significance of mental preparation and unity within the team. He underscored the shift towards playing for each other, both on and off the pitch, as a driving force behind their improved performance.
Likewise, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, the team’s loosehead prop, echoed Michelow’s sentiments, expressing the team’s growing camaraderie and the pressure they face in the upcoming matches. The series promises to offer an intimate portrayal of the team’s journey and evolution as they pursue glory in the U20 Championship.
The first episode of Embedded is now available for streaming on RugbyPass TV, providing fans with an exclusive look at England’s pursuit of victory. Subsequent episodes will be released on a weekly basis, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience for rugby enthusiasts.
In addition, fans can tune in to watch the World Rugby U20s Championship live and for free on RugbyPass TV starting from June 29, providing an opportunity to witness the exhilarating competition firsthand.
The series and upcoming championship are not to be missed, promising an enthralling display of sportsmanship, determination, and the unwavering spirit of the England U20 team.