London Irish duo Theo Brophy Clews and Johnny Williams have been named in Martin Haag’s 28-man England Under-20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester (7-25 June).
The Academy talents, who have been shining lights for the Exiles this term, will take on Italy, Scotland and Australia in Pool B.
The squad will meet on 22 May 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.
“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,” he said.
“When we go on that training park we will be short and sharp and play with a 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.
“The format of the tournament means you can’t expect anyone to play 80 minutes of every single game,” he said.
“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 the workload and how we ensure mental and physical recovery between games,” he added.
London Irish Academy Director Nick Kennedy said: “Johnny Williams and Theo Brophy Clews’ selection is testament to their hard work this season.
“They have both had solid campaigns and I am sure they will do London Irish and themselves very proud during the tournament.
“We wish them well.”
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)
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