Wales pipped by England in FIRA semis

Justin Bridou European Championship: ENGLAND 22-16 WALES

England under-18s survived a second-half fightback from their Welsh rivals to clinch a place in the FIRA-AER tournament final

Played at the 9,000-seater Central Ciudad Universitaria stadium in Madrid this afternoon, England’s intent proved to be enough to fell a determined Welsh effort.

Wales trailed 17-6 at the break, with two Jack Maynard penalties their only impression on the scoreboard. And, despite a try from captain Ben Roach in the second period, three English tries and an impressive defence were enough to see them into the final, where they will face Ireland.

Georgia celebrate beating Russia in the final of the under-19 European Championships in Bucharest, Romania, in November 2011. Picture: Flickr, DamjanBNZ

In their semi-final the Irish narrowly defeated France, who will take on Wales for third place.

Wales thrashed Italy 41-8 in the quarter finals, and the Italians went on to fall to Georgia, leaving them vying with Portugal to avoid finishing last of the Elite Division sides.

But Georgia’s victory is an encouraging sign for the Eastern Europeans, arguably one of rugby’s fastest-developing nations, and comes as another boost to rugby in the nation following its under-19 side winning the FIRA European Championship in Romania last autumn.