England U18s head coach Jonathan Pendlebury has named a 28-player squad for next month’s U18 International Series in South Africa, with Sale Sharks back row Charlie Bray appointed captain.
Bray, a Kirkham Grammar School student, leads an experienced group that includes 17 previously capped players as England prepare to face Georgia, France and hosts South Africa in Stellenbosch.
The Sale Sharks youngster, who featured in the Prem NextGen league and earned England U19 honours against Wales last December, is among nine players returning for a second U18 International Series alongside Oscar Talbot, Lawrence Ogbonnaya, Seva Batikora, Will Bayston, Kwame Bekoe, Sonny Goode, Jordan Ikeh and Aiden Reid.
Talbot, Ogbonnaya and Saracens forward Ediz Karsak have all already represented England at U19 level, while 11 players are in line to make their U18 debuts, namely Karsak, Will Catley, Kaiden Corbett, Joe Edmunds, Jack and Will McIntosh, Charles Morgan, Henry Sui, Taniel Tumusiime, Jack Tyler and Ellis Woolrych.
Hard work
Pendlebury said: “Congratulations to all the players selected for this season-opening tour to South Africa.
“It reflects the hard work, commitment and ownership they have shown throughout the pathway to earn their place in the squad.
“This group has laid strong foundations through their development last season and now has the opportunity to test themselves in a challenging environment while continuing to grow both on and off the field.”
England open their campaign against Georgia at Durbanville High School on Friday, August 7 before taking on France four days later and finishing the tournament against South Africa on August 15.
Captain: Sale Sharks back rower Charlie Bray
England U18s squad
Forwards: Ben Allen, Henry Sui (both Bath), Seva Batikora, Kwame Bekoe, Fin Charles, Joe Edmunds (all Leicester), Charlie Bray, Jordan Ikeh, Lawrence Ogbonnaya (all Sale), Kaiden Corbett (Bristol), Tiane Elone, Ediz Karsak (both Saracens), Jeremy Keys (Exeter), Aiden Reid (Northampton), Ellis Woolrych (Harlequins)
Backs: Will Bayston (Sale), Will Catley, Sonny Goode (both Northampton), Archie Guyver, Jack McIntosh, Will McIntosh (all Exeter), Zac Jones (Gloucester), Will Moore, Caspar Reeves (both Bristol Bears), Charles Morgan, Taniel Tumusiime (both Saracens), Oscar Talbot (Leicester), Jack Tyler (Harlequins)
READ MORE: Jac Morgan: Wales are getting better despite heavy Nations Championship defeats
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