Boyland named in England U18 squad for Six Nations Festival

Boyland, who scored against Scotland and Wales in successive weeks, will now prepare for games against Scotland at Ystrad Mynach (March 31st, KO 12pm), Italy at Cardiff Arms Park (April 4th, KO 12pm) and France at the same venue on April 8th (KO 5pm).

Will Capon and Charlie Powell, who both featured against Wales U18 last weekend, are ineligible for the tournament due to World Rugby age-grade regulations.

“The point of the Six Nations Festival is to provide the players with an elevated experience from their schools and academies and to put them into a different environment against different players," said Fletcher.

“We will play against the best players from the six nations countries and the players will learn loads from that experience.

“It also gives the squad an opportunity to play the way that we feel will best prepare them for the England teams of the future. We want our players to make decisions based on what is in front of them and express themselves both sides of the ball.

“There is the opportunity for all the players to get really good learning from the three games and it’s an opportunity for them to train with really good players in an England environment. The experiences they get at the festival will be helpful to their development in the future.”

Elsewhere, junior academy back, Iwan Hughes was also in international action at the weekend, as he touched down in Ireland U19’s 40-29 victory over Japan at the newly-named Energia Park.

The former SGS Filton College man put in an exciting display, crossing for a second-half try and also providing an assist.

Ireland U-19 team manager Barney McGonigle said: "The management and players are delighted to have the opportunity to play the Japanese High Schools side. These two games are seen as being vital in preparing our players for the matches against France U-19s in Galway on April 2nd and 7th.

"The extended squad met up on Thursday in Dublin fully aware of the ability of a very talented Japan team. They worked hard under the direction of Tom (Tierney) and his assistants Colm McMahon and Bryan Young. The coaches had spent a lot of time putting together an effective plan for the U-19s to take into this first game. 

"Two pitch sessions, as well as a Captain's Run, took place and all the work paid off with a fine collective performance. The players really stood up to the challenges presented by Japan and everyone's really looking forward to an equally difficult encounter on Wednesday."