Kent competes in the top tier of the Jason Leonard Under 20 National Championship. In recent years the County has been consistently successful and have reached every quarter final, 3 semi finals and one final in the last 11 years. They are currently in the top eight in the country.
We do not hold trials for this group but receive coaches recommendations. We also have a scouting system and also follow those players who have come through the age groups.
At the 1st December Council Meeting, Council decided to adopt an amendment to the Jason Leonard U20s Competition.
This amendment endorsed the principle of the competition being open to all players at Regional 1/Level 5 and below.
However, it broadened applicability to include players who are members of a National League club but who play for its lower XV team (at Regional 1/Level 5 or below).
For clarity, any player who has appeared on a Level 4 match day card this season (starting XV or replacement) or has represented their University at Super Bucs or Prem 1 north or south levels are not eligible to play.
This season’s Kent U20 programme starts with a provisional squad training session on Sunday 22nd December at Charlton Park RFC meet 10am. The session will conclude at noon with some light refreshments laid on afterwards. Players will be invited personally or through their club coaches to attend this session. This will be an organisational and skills session only with no full contact.
The Jason Leonard County National U20 Championship sees Kent drawn in Division 1.
Training dates
18th January. Charlton Park RFC 09-30 till 13-00.
15th February Charlton Park RFC 09-30 till 13-00.
8th March Charlton Park RFC 09-30 till 1300.
Any player who has appeared on a Level 4 match card or has represented their University at Super Bucs or Prem 1 north or south levels are not eligible to play.
Any coach who believes they have a player who has the potential to represent the County at Under 20 is asked to contact either Head Coach Taff Gwilliam at taff.gwilliam@btinternet.com or Team Manager Peter Johnston at Kent-mens-manager@kent-rugby.org
Sunday 22nd Feb 2026
Surrey v Kent @ Esher RFC at 2pm.
Surrey 29 : 31 Kent
The Management Team is:
Lead Coach
