Hall Backs Quintet To Impress On International Stage

Iwan Hughes (SGS Filton) pictured above, Tom Rowland (Bristol Grammar School), James Dun (Millfield) and Will Capon (Bristol Grammar School) have been named in the England U18 squad, while Charlie Powell (Bristol Grammar School) has been called up to the England U17 squad after impressing in this season’s Aviva Premiership U18 league.

RECOGNITION: Tom Rowland caps a fine season with a call-up to England U18 squad (Photo: JMP UK). 

Hughes, Capon, Rowland and Dun have been named in a 36-man U18 squad for a training squad in Leeds this week, before fixtures against France (March 5), Scotland (March 12) and Wales (March 26). These games are followed by an U18 Series, which includes fixtures against Canada (April 8), Ireland (April 12) and Scotland (April 16). Powell attended an U17 training camp during half-term.

CALL-UP: Academy hooker Will Capon (Photo: JMP UK).

Hall believes the league plays a big part in the development of young players and has backed the five youngsters to star on the international stage.

“We’re delighted as a club for the five players to get this recognition,” he said.

“It is testament to their attitude and hard work over the past nine months and the levels of performance they have put in during the U18 League.

RISING STAR: Charlie Powell has been called up to the England U17 squad (Photo: JMP UK). 

“They have worked hard alongside Academy Coaches, Mark Irish and Sean Marsden and we hope they really enjoy the experience.

“The Under-18 League has improved year on year and the level of play this season was of an extremely high standard.

“It is great for our academy players to test themselves against the best players from the other southern academies.

“For them to have the chance to play in the Bristol jersey against the likes of Gloucester, Bath and Exeter is a fantastic experience for any player.”

ON THE CHARGE: James Dun in action for Bristol U18 (Photo: JMP UK).