Offering a vital platform for under-20s players to test themselves against the best players from other nations, the tournament opens up another route to international rugby.
Similar to the Six Nations Under-18s Festivals, each union will involve coaches and match officials from their respective nation to ensure that it is not only the players that are offered the opportunity to gain vital experience and develop alongside each other.
HOW IT WORKS
The Six Nations Women’s Summer Series format will see three match days take place, with teams made up of predominantly under-20s players, although each union is able to select up to three under-23 players per match day squad.
Teams will play full 80-minute matches against one another and promises intense action and high-level competition in every fixture.
By providing a structured and competitive environment, the Women’s Summer Series aims to nurture the next generation of rugby stars. It promises an exciting product for players, coaches, officials and fans alike.
THE CONTENDERS
Coming into the competition, each squad on display looks set to stake a claim for best in class in Italy.
England bring with them an exciting squad that has gained lots of experience domestically this season.
Loughborough Lightning’s Lilli Ives Campion will captain the side after a magnificent season establishing herself in the East Midlands club’s second-row, while Steph Else helped Gloucester-Hartpury win back-to-back Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby titles.
A number of players in the Ireland, Scotland and Wales squads picked up additional senior experience playing in the Celtic Challenge competition.
This includes Ireland's Beth Buttimer, who has made waves with Munster and UL Bohemians, while Jenna De Vera had the opportunity to impress with Gwalia Lightning.
WHERE TO WATCH
Every single game of the Summer Series will be broadcast live. Fans will be able to watch the drama unfold on the Six Nations Under-20s YouTube channel.
WHAT THEY SAID
England head coach, LJ Lewis: “The significance of being part of the first tournament is not lost on us and we’re delighted to be involved in Parma in the coming weeks. We’re grateful to possess such a talented group and our final selection was not made easily, such is the depth of talent we have within the England Rugby pathway.”
Ireland head coach, Niamh Briggs: “It’s exciting for all of us to be part of this tournament. Having these structures in place at U18 and U20 is important in helping the players to develop and bridge the gap to senior internationals. This gives players time to expose themselves to better opposition and I suppose expose themselves to higher level rugby, expose themselves to camp and the environment that that brings.”
Scotland head coach, Claire Cruikshank: “The selected squad is an exciting mix of talent. There are players who have come through the pathway, age-grade at U18 level, who have been involved with the Scotland Futures last year plus players from the Scottish Qualified Programme.”
Wales head coach, Liza Burgess: “It is fantastic to have the U20s tournament now up and running and it promises to be an exciting challenge for the squad of players we have selected for the tournament. Having the opportunity to play international rugby at this level is only going to benefit all the players and coaches, and we are very much looking forward to it.”
SQUADS
ENGLAND: Jorja Battishill, Joia Bennett, Lucy Calladine, Steph Else, Chloe Flanagan, Amelia Hyndman, Lilli Ives Campion, Kira Leat, Annabel Meta, Anna Richardson, Ellie Roberts, Hannah Sams, Tyla Shirley, Niamh Swailes, Catherine Wells, Lola Whitley, Amelia Williams, Reneeqa Bonner, Ella Cromack, Millie David, Lia Green, Sophie Hopkins, Millie Hyett, Sophie Langford, Amelia MacDougall, Carmela Morrall, Tori Sellors, Samantha Shiels, Katie Shillaker, Alex Wilkinson
FRANCE: Iliana Acolatse, Kelly Arbey, Amalia Bazola, Mailys Borak, Anna De Almeida, Victoire Foulon, Agathe Fournie, Lilou Graciet, Alice Grandhomme, Cléo Hagel, Zoé Jean, Nelcya Kouyate, Eneka Labeyrie, Maé Levy, Patrice-Grace Libali, Anna Macipe, Taina Maka, Marie Morland, Solenne Mpari, Enoé Neri, Aminata Niakate, Lou Roboam, Suliana Sivi, Hawa Tounkara, Léa Trollier, Chloé Vauclin, Kiara Zago, Marion Zdzioblo
IRELAND: Sophie Barrett, Grainne Burke, Kelly Burke, Beth Buttimer, Ruth Campbell, Aoibheann Hahessy, Brianna Heylmann, Ivana Kiripati, Roisin Maher, Amanda McQuade, Lily Morris, Eadaoin Murtagh, Jane Neill (C), Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair, Faith Oviawe, Hannah Wilson, Clara Barrett, Ellen Boylan,Hannah Clarke, Kate Flannery (VC), Jade Gaffney, Niamh Gallagher, May Goulding, Lucia Linn, Éabha Ni Dhonnacha, Robyn O’Connor, Ellie O’Sullivan, Chisom Ugwueru
ITALY: Francesca Andreol, Alia Antonietta Bitonci, Martina Busana, Erika Campigotto, Anna Carnevali, Sofia Catellani, Elisa Cecati, Chiara Cheli, Angelica Cittadini, Greta Copat, Giada Corradini, Elettra Costantini, Alessia Della Sala, Elena Errichiello, Silvia Fent (C), Alice Fortuna, Rubina Emma Grassi, Mascia Jelic, Antonella Maione, Sara Mannini, Nicole Mastrangelo, Lucie Jeanne Moioli, Sara Negroni, Aregash Pellizon, Mihaela Pirpiliu, Luna Agatha Sacchi, Desiree Spinelli, Margherita Tonellotto, Vittoria Zanette, Vittoria Zeni
SCOTLAND: Aila Ronald, Chloe Brown, Ellie Williamson, Eilidh Fleming, Gemma Bell, Holland Bogan, Karis Craig, Lauryn Walter, Lucy Christie, Merryn Gunderson, Megan Hyland, Molly Poolman, Natasha Logan, Poppy Fletcher, Poppy Clarkson, Samaanther Taganekurukuru, Talei Tawake, Ami Conchie, Ceitidh Ainsworth, Hannah Walker, Hannah Ramsay, Isobel McGuire-Evans, Leia Brebner-Holden, Lucia Scott, Lucy MacRae, Nicole Marlow, Nicole Flynn, Rebekah Douglas, Rhea Clarke, Sky Phimister
WALES: Chloe Thomas Bradley, Lowri Williams, Maisie Davies, Cana Williams, Cadi Lois Davies, Abi Meyrick, Mollie Crabb, Molly Wakely, Milly Summer Webb–Greenslade, Erin Jones, Alaw Pyrs, Robyn Davies, Lily Terry, Lucy Isaac, Catrin Stewart, Jess Rogers (CC), Seren Singleton, Katie Bevans, Freya Bell, Hanna Marshall, Amy Williams, Jenna De Vera (CC), Molly Anderson Thomas, Ellie Tromans, Savannah Picton Powell, Kelsie Webster, Eleanor Hing, Hannah Lane, Kim Thurlow, Nel Metcalfe
