Schoolboys set for physical exam against Boks
ENGLAND U18s have had to call for back-up ahead of their tour of South Africa following fly-half Marcus Smith’s surprise selection for Eddie Jones’ 37-man training camp.
Smith, 18, has recently finished his studies at Brighton College and become a first year Academy member at Harlequins.
He was included in some sessions during England’s Brighton training camp, hosted at the college, at the end of last season. Smith was involved with Harlequins last weekend at the Premiership 7s where they reached the semi-finals.
Lock Alex Coles and Joe Tunney, full-back Nick David and prop Tom Rowland all come into the squad while James Dun, Kieren Verden and Ted Hill drop out through injury.
Led by head coach John Fletcher, England U18 have enjoyed an impressive season, most recently winning all of their games in April’s International Series.
England’s fixtures in South Africa for the ‘U19 International Series’ have also been amended with the side now playing France on August 11 and SA Schools on August 19.
Fletcher said: “It’s disappointing for those guys that are not coming who are injured, however, they will be back towards the early part of the season.
“For those players that have been called into the squad it’s an exciting time and a great opportunity. They all narrowly missed out on selection and now they get their chance.
“I’ve been to South Africa a number of times,” added Fletcher. “It’s a great envi- ronment to take the players to as Wales and France are strong opposition from a Northern Hemisphere point of view while South Africa is a significant test as they are such a physical team.”