INTERNATIONAL WATCH: Squad named for England U19 fixture against France

Three London Irish players, Ben Loader, Matt Williams and Rory Brand have been named in the England Under 19 squad for a friendly fixture against France U19 on Saturday.

The fixture will take place at Stade Jules Ladoumègue, Massy kicking off at 6:30pm

Academy Manager Patrick O'Grady said "We've had fantastic representation in age-grade international sides over this period and this weekend is no different, I wish all three of our boys luck and I hope that they really relish the experience and use it to develop their game further."

The squad is a combination of players currently in the pathway and players who have caught the eye of the England age-grade coaches with their performances for their respective clubs this season.

Led by England player pathway coach Peter Walton and Newcastle Falcons' Mark Laycock, the players gathered for a training session at Hazelwood, London Irish on Friday 31 March ahead of the match.

Peter Walton said: "It is hugely important that we continue to look at a wide pool of players and this match offers us the opportunity to challenge them in a new environment. Facing France away from home will be a good experience for these players and we know we can expect a physical test, so I'm excited to see how they perform." England U19 team to face France U19:

15. Ben Loader (London Irish)** 14. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)* 13. Matt Williams (London Irish) 12. Jacob Umaga (Wasps)* 11. Levi Davis (Hartpury) 10. James Grayson (Northampton Saints) 9. Rory Brand (London Irish) 1. Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby)* 2. Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby) 3. Joseph Morris (Worcester Warriors)* 4. Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors)* 5. Josh Williams (Newcastle Falcons) 6. Dino Lamb-Cona (Harlequins) 7. Lewis Wilson (Yorkshire Carnegie) 8. Sam Moore (Sale Sharks)**

Replacements: 16. Gabriel Oghre (Bath Rugby) 17. Toby Trinder (Exeter Chiefs) 18. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)* 19. Elliott Ward (Yorkshire Carnegie) 20. Will Porter (Wasps)** 21. Charlie Wright (Exeter Chiefs)** 22. Elliott Obatoyinbo (Saracens)** 23. Nick David (Worcester Warriors)**

* In England U20 EPS

** In latest England U18 squad