England men’s U18 head coach Jonathan Pendlebury has named his side to play France U18 on Saturday 18 March (KO 12:30)
Image credit: James Fitchew
Pendlebury’s first team of the year is mixed with experienced and emerging players, with 12 debutants among the matchday 24 to face Le Bleus.
Reuben Logan, the son of former Scotland star Kenny and TV presenter Gabby, is named among the replacements.
The forward had been part of the academy set-up at Wasps prior to the club going out of business.
Last week he signed his first professional contract with Northampton Saints.
He wrote on Instagram: “Feeling very honoured to have signed my first professional contract with Northampton saints so grateful for this opportunity.”
Academy Coach Will Parkin added: “Reuben’s a bit different as he started off in the backs before transitioning into the back row last season,
“He’s previously been involved in Scottish Pathway, but has now come across to the England set-up and will play the upcoming Six Nations over here.
“What we like about him is that he’s an out-and-out ball carrier, which is something we felt like we didn’t have this year in the Senior Academy. He’s a big, powerful lad but quick as well, so he’s a very effective ball carrier.
“He’s got some things to learn around his transition to the back row, but the skills he’s picked up playing previously in the centres and on the wing for his school and Academy sides will be great assets for him to have.”
England U18:
1. Louie Trevett (Academy: Bristol Bears, School: Clifton College)
2. Kepu Tuipulotu (London Irish, Harrow School) *
3. Billy Sela (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff School)
4. Finn Baker (Newcastle Falcons, Sedbergh School)
5. Tom Burrow (Yorkshire Academy, Heckmondwike GS)
6. Jack Bennett (Bath Rugby, Monkton Combe School)
7. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, Stowe School)
8. Lucas Schmid (Harlequins, Epsom College) *
9. Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby, Millfield School) *
10. Rory Taylor (London Irish, Wellington College)
11. Jack Kinder (Midlands West, Solihull School) *
12. Sean Kerr (Harlequins, Whitgift School)
13. Ben Redshaw (Newcastle Falcons, Sedbergh School)
14. Tom Humphreys (Harlequins, RGS Guildford) *
15. Conor Byrne (Harlequins, Trinity School)
Replacements
16. Harry Clarke (Leicester Tigers, Denstone College) *
17. Ralph McEachran (London Irish, The Bishop Wand School) *
18. Tye Raymont (Yorkshire Academy, Bishop Burton College) *
19. Junior Kpoku (Saracens, Finborough School) *
20. Reuben Logan (Midlands Central, Berkhamsted School) *
21. Will Wootton (Sale Sharks, Sedbergh School)
22. Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Kirkham Grammar) *
23. Frank McMillan (Harlequins, BHASVIC) *
24. Ioan Jones (Gloucester Rugby, Dean Close School)
Ronan O’Gara would rip up England’s backline
Ronan O’Gara sparked rumours of one day coaching England after admitting he would “love” the opportunity.
“Yeah it would be a great job I think actually, what a team,” said O’Gara.
“I think there’s so much potential there, serious rugby players, serious passion for the game in England. It’s a cracking job. You’d love to have a go off that.”
Speaking to BT Sport, O’Gara went into detail on his strategy built around ‘KBA’, standing for ‘Keep Ball Alive’. His time with the Crusaders was pivotal.
“It’s a mindset, something that interests me hugely. There’s a massive ruck focus in the northern hemisphere and then when you go to the Crusaders it’s ‘KBA’ – keep ball alive.” A
We made up this backline based on quotes from the former Ireland fly-half along with the style of rugby he currently deploys with La Rochelle.
RONAN O’GARA’S ENGLAND BACK-LINE:
BACK-THREE:
15. Freddie Steward
14. Jack Nowell
11. Henry Arundell
