Mapletoft has been impressed with Sixways' facilities

Friday's match between England and Italy Under-20s at Worcester's Sixways will be played behind closed doors because of the weather.

A Worcester Warriors spokesperson told BBC Hereford and Worcester they had taken the decision after advice from West Mercia Police.

"We have closed the game off to the public for their safety," she said.

Fans who had purchased tickets will be eligible for a refund and should contact the club next week.

The England Under-20 coach Mark Mapletoft had said coaching staff and players were delighted with the facilities at their Sixways base.

England are playing all their home Six Nations game at Worcester and Mapletoft believes it is a wise choice of venue.

"It's been great this week as we have been able to get in full training session indoors," The former Gloucester and London Irish fly-half told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"The facilities at Worcester have allowed us to do a lot of what we could not have done outdoors."

"Bringing them in from all the clubs can be difficult as they all play a different style.

"But we have been very fortunate in that we have been able to go to Portugal for warm-weather training.

"We have also had the lads together for a long stretch before the games, and we are now looking forward to getting going."

Kitchener has already represented his country at under-18 level

"I think Graham can become a leader, and needs to begin showing those qualities.

"He has done well to feature in the Warriors squads this season, at a club that is renowned for it's pack.

"He missed some of the games last year, with school and training, but I think this is a big season for him."

The kick off for the game against Italy has been bought forward to 18:30 GMT as the club fear the pitch may freeze later in the evening.

England's other games at Sixways are against France on 13 March and against Scotland on 20 March.

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