The World Rugby U20 championship reaches its climax today as host nation France take on three-time winners England in the final in Béziers

For the French, this weekend marks the first final appearance while England are looking to claim their first title since 2016 at the Stade de la Meditérranée.

Gérald Bastide's side caused a massive upset on their way to the final by defeating defending champions New Zealand 16-7 in the semi-finals.

England saw off South Africa after a stirring fight-back from the Junior Springboks to come out on top 32-31.

French front-row Daniel Brennan, son of former Irish internationalist Trevor, said after the semi-final: “The team put in such a good effort against South Africa, we said that were coming back today and we had a cracker of a game.

"It’s going to be amazing [the final], I’m really looking forward to it. All the boys are pumped and the mindset is there already.�

England coach Steve Bates added: "It is a great achievement for these guys, they played some really good rugby in the first half but couldn’t quite get enough ball in the second which meant it ended up being a tight game."

France are the U20 Six Nations champions and will be seeking revenge following their 22-6 defeat at the hands of Bates' men at the same venue for the final back in March.

Kick-off between France and England is at 19:00 local time in France

U20 Championship final preview

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