Laois rugby player scores try as Ireland U-20's beat England in Six Nations Championship

Lee Fitzpatrick of Ireland on his way to scoring his side's first try during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at The Rec in Bath, England. Photo: Sportsfile

placeholder image — Lee Fitzpatrick of Ireland on his way to scoring his side's first try during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at The Rec in Bath, England. Photo: Sportsfile

Portarlington's Lee Fitzpatrick scored Ireland's first of four tries on Friday evening

Portarlington hooker Lee Fitzpatrick was on the scoresheet as Ireland’s U-20s recorded a landmark 31-21 victory over Triple-Crown chasing England in the Six Nations in Bath on Friday evening.

This win marked Ireland’s first U-20 success over England in the competition in three years and followed last week’s 30-27 victory against Italy in Cork. Ireland had endured a heavy defeat in their opening game against France, going down 50-21.

Fitzpatrick, who started against both Italy and England, crossed for Ireland’s first of four tries after just 11 minutes. His evening was cut short when he was replaced by Rian Handley after 29 minutes, but his early impact helped set the tone for a hard-fought win. The victory sees Ireland climb to second in the table behind France, who face Italy on Saturday evening.

Fitzpatrick comes from a sporting family, with sister Alanna having represented Ireland in Rugby Sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Ireland’s U-20s return home for their next fixture, hosting Wales at Virgin Media Park in Cork in two weeks’ time.