Cornwall Under 20s team to play Devon this Sunday

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 finally gets underway with their rearranged first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts local rivals Devon for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 29^th March 2026. The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1430 kick off time, the Brunel Cup played for between the two sides will also be up for grabs.

CRFU President Andy Reed said, “It will be great to get this season underway with this rearranged fixture against our next-door neighbours Devon. Unfortunately, the weather meant that the condition of several of the pitches throughout the county were not available. Understandably host clubs have their own league fixtures to play, and we are very grateful that they allow county matches to be played at their venues”.

Cornwall had named Jack Jenkin (Helston) as the captain for the season, alongside him a new player this season, Oscar Marr from Penzance and Newlyn, who was the vice-captain. However, an injury to Jack in the warmup game v Cornwall Clubs means Jack is no longer available. Oscar will take over as captain and vice-captain will be Jack Sheratt from Helston.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time along with a few players from last season. Devon have had the advantage of playing one fixture already, having taken on Somerset at Sidmouth RFC”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, is well established Rich Kevern as the head coach, and ex U20 player and Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs again with Rich, and joining the team is Jack Hazelton another county player assisting Brad with the forwards. LJ Collick remains as the team manager.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “It was an honour to be asked to be vice-captain of the side for this season, however due to the unfortunate injury to Jack I will now be taking on the role of Captain for this game. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 29th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Somerset away on Sunday 19th April at Burnham on Sea RFC with a 1430 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. Any player who is named in match day squad during the season at level 4 i.e. Camborne or Redruth first team, makes them ineligible for consideration for the competition. That means this season alone we have lost about 10 potential players. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.

Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry. 

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance.

Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

23/03/2026

Cornwall U20 v Devon U20

Sunday 29^th March @ Redruth RFC 1430 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee, Jack Hazelton

Team Manager LJ Collick

Medical cover – Hen Gard + Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop