Three Pears Warriors Academy youngsters Andrew Kitchener, Jack Singleton and Huw Taylor have been named in the England Under 20 squad for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Manchester this June.
The trio all impressed for the Under 20s earlier this year in the Six Nations, with Singleton stealing the spotlight against Italy following a magnificent four-try performance.
Taylor meanwhile featured three times for Warriors in their European Challenge Cup campaign while all three have been regulars for Worcester Cavaliers this term.
England Under 20s face Italy, Scotland and Australia in Pool B of the World Championship and include several players with Premiership experience. Theo Brophy-Clews, Will Evans, Harry Mallinder, Joe Marchant, Ollie Thorley and Johnny Williams are all named in the 28-man squad.
England have a strong record in the tournament having reached six finals in the last eight years but this squad have a unique opportunity to play in front of their home supporters.
Head Coach Martin Haag said:“This group will only play together for this tournament. It will be a proud moment when they pull on the white jersey and run out in front of family and friends in a home World Cup.”
The squad will meet on May 22 for a week-long training camp in Newcastle and Haag, who was appointed earlier this year, says it will be important to build a bond and get the team to play with its own identity.
He explained: “It’s about driving our own standards and our own identity and in that camp we need to set the tone for how we want to play. When we go on that training park we will be short and sharp and play with high intensity.
“We need to get the learning and education in so that we’re in good shape and also have the right environment heading into the tournament.”
With five games in just under three weeks, Haag expects to use all 28 members of his squad, highlighting the importance of keeping players fit and fresh during the tournament.
He continued: “The format of the tournament means you can’t expect anyone to play 80 minutes of every single game. We’ve picked a strong squad and we’re really looking forward to seeing all these guys in action.
“Players will, of course, be picked on form but we will be managing workload and how we ensure mental and physical recovery between games.”
Haag’s side face Italy on June 7 at the Manchester City Academy Stadium and then Scotland on June 11, before playing Australia at Sale Sharks’ AJ Bell Stadium on June 15.
England squad for World Rugby U20 Championship:
Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
Darren Atkins (Bath Rugby)
Josh Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Lewis Boyce (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Theo Brophy-Clews (London Irish)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
Will Evans (Leicester Tigers)
Matt Gallagher (Saracens)
Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Billy Keast (Exeter Chiefs)
Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
Max Malins (Saracens)
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
George Nott (Sale Sharks)
George Perkins (Saracens)
Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
Stan South (Harlequins)
Will Stuart (Wasps)
Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
Ollie Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Walker (Saracens)
Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Tom West (Wasps)
Johnny Williams (London Irish)
Jack Willis (Wasps)
England Pool B fixtures:
England v Italy (Tuesday 7 June) kick-off 19:45, Manchester City Academy Stadium
England v Scotland (Saturday 11 June) kick-off 18:00, Manchester City Academy Stadium
England v Australia (Wednesday 15 June) kick-off 19:45 AJ Bell Stadium
Semi-finals and knockout matches (Monday 20 June) Details TBC
Final and knockout games (Saturday 25 June) Details TBC
For tickets and more information about the World Rugby U20 Championship click here.