Scotland have named their U18 squad to take on England at Bridgehuagh in Stirling this Sunday at 12pm.
The young Scots lost narrowly to Wales last weekend, a late try giving the Welsh a 32-30 victory, so they will be looking to bounce back this weekend ahead of the U18 6 Nations Festival at the end of the month and the start of April.
A number of players at English schools are selected in the 26-man group, including last week’s Man of the Match, Nathan Chamberlain of SGS Filton College.
Also included is Dan Lancaster of Bishop Burton College, the son of Leinster Head Coach Stuart Lancaster, a try scorer last week. Dulwich College’s Femi Sofolarin, who was playing for Harlequins in the U18 Academy League finals last weekend, is called up, the Champions Trophy winning winger will be a real threat.
St Peter’s York’s Charlie Hudson is again in the squad, with Stowe’s Kristian Kay also included. Brooksby Melton College’s Alex Maxwell is among the forwards, as are Gosforth Academy’s James Barker, Hymers College’s Archie Smeaton, and Sedbergh’s Jack Hill.
Speaking to Scottish Rugby ahead of the game, Head Coach Iain Monaghan said:
“This weekend we’ll be working hard on what we learnt in the narrow defeat to Wales and looking to build on that performance. We have another group of guys coming in this weekend, who we want to have a look at. The more players we can look at the better, so we can take a strong group to the U18 Six Nations tournament at the end of the month.”
“Playing England is always a big challenge and the games are physical and fast. These are the games you want to play in and these boys really strive in a competitive environment. The players will experience some real highs and some real lows, but this will stand them in good stead when they move on to U19 and U20 squads.”
Scotland U18 v England U18 – Sunday, 12pm, Bridgehaugh, Stirling.
Scotland U18 Squad v England
Forwards
Thomas Jeffrey (Peebles), Mak Wilson (Duns), Daniel Gamble (Merchiston Castle), Alex Maxwell (Brooksby Melton College/Leicester Tigers), Rory S Jackson (Edinburgh Academy), Scott Clelland (Ayr), Cammy Brown (Kelso), Tom Morris (Dollar Academy), Kieran Watt (Watsonians), James Barker (Newcastle Falcons/Gosforth Academy), Archie Smeaton (Yorkshire Carnegie/Hymers College), Jack Hill (Sedbergh/Sale Sharks), Cameron Henderson (Strathallan), Gavin Wilson (Dumfries Saints).
Backs
Kristian Kay (Stowe/Wasps), Jamie Dobie (Merchiston Castle), Nathan Chamberlain (Bristol/SGS Filton College), Robbie McCallum (Loretto), Dan Lancaster (Yorkshire Carnegie/Bishop Burton College), Scott Robeson (George Heriot’s), Ollie Smith (Strathallan), Jack Blain (Stewart’s Melville College), Paul Cunningham (George Watson’s College), Rufus McLean (Merchiston Castle), Charlie Hudson (St Peter’s, York), Femi Sofolarin (Dulwich College/Harlequins).
