Saracens' Aaron Morris, George Perkins and Nick Tompkins were unable to guide England Under-20s to victory in the World Championship final.

The Red Rose went down 21-16 to New Zealand in Italy on Saturday evening, failing to return to the trophy lifted by Sarries teammate Maro Itoje 12 months earlier.

Max Clark put England ahead but the Baby Blacks fought back and took an 11-10 half-time lead before extending their adventage after the break via Akira Ioane.

Six points from the boot of Rory Jennings ensured England remained in the contest but New Zealand held out to ensure they got their hands on the silverware.

Head coach Jon Callard said: “I am honoured and privileged to be in a position to be talking about such fine young men. They have been a great advert for the game and great ambassadors for their clubs and country. I can’t speak highly enough of them and I know that a lot of them will go on to further honours. 

“We were the smallest of margins away from finding the solution there, if it had gone on for another ten minutes we may have snuck it but we couldn’t quite adapt and deliver that one play in the crucial moment that would have made the difference and we will learn from that moving forward.

“We are hugely disappointed with the result of this match but massively pleased with the way the lads have dug in and played some great rugby during the tournament. There is real talent in this group and I’m sure they will be pushing hard for places in the senior side in years to come.