England Rugby confirm additional November fixture in showcase of ‘depth and quality’
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England A will return to action this November, with Mark Mapletoft’s side set to take on an Argentina XV at Bath’s Recreation Ground.
The fixture in the West Country will mark the first meeting between the two development sides since the Churchill Cup contest in 2009, with England A winning on two occasions. An England XV have also faced an Argentina A side on three occasions, with England winning two of the three contests.
England A has proved a successful pathway into Steve Borthwick’s senior squad in recent years, too, with recent Test debutants Noah Caluori, Emmanuel Iyogun and George Kloska progressing through the system. Elsewhere, it has also proved a stepping stone for several promising U20s talents within English rugby.
England A to face Argentina XV in November
This fixture marks the start of the England A season, with the side becoming a regular feature of the Test calendar in recent years, and is their first trip to the Rec since their meeting against the All Blacks XV last November.
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Commenting ahead of the game, England Rugby head of men’s player pathways and England A head coach Mapletoft said: “Facing Argentina XV first up presents a brilliant challenge for our players and staff, and an opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition from the very start of the season.
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“There’s always a special sense of enjoyment and occasion when you run out under the Friday night lights, and fixtures like this are a fantastic platform for players to showcase their talent and pride in wearing an England shirt.
“The depth and quality across the England pathway and PREM Rugby continues to grow, so there’s real excitement about the squad we can select and the opportunity these matches provide for players to take another step forward in their England journey.”
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England A also come into the Argentina XV clash off the back of a strong 2025/26 season, beating Spain and Ireland XV in successive outings after losing the aforementioned fixture against New Zealand.
Further information on the squad and coaching staff will be announced closer to the game, following the start of the PREM Rugby season.