ONE of Ledbury RFC's talented crop of youngsters has been picked to represent his country next weekend.

George Knowles, who plays for Ledbury Colts and Midlands West Academy, has been included in the England U18 squad for the pre-Six Nations Festival clash with France U18 at Rugby Tango Chalonnais next Saturday.

Knowles, who attends Hereford Cathedral School, has been impressing selectors during an England Development Camp and will now get his chance to showcase his talents when England take on France as part of their preparations for the U18 Six Nations Festival that kicks off at the end of March.

After the game with France, England are set to feature in this year’s Six Nations Rugby U18 Men’s Festival, with fixtures against Wales, Scotland and the recently introduced Georgia now confirmed at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, Italy.

England U18 Men’s head coach Jonathan Pendlebury said: "Myself, Will and the staff are really excited to bring this new cohort into the U18 level here at England Rugby.

"We’re aiming to give them positive experiences on and off the field, with what promises to be a really exciting trip across the Channel. 

"In what will be our first outing of the season, France pose a great challenge for us to overcome and will prepare us nicely for our trip to Parma next month.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to not only prepare for our U18 Six Nations Festival, but also to implement our core values of exploration and adaptation as we ready these young men to excel as England internationals."

England's tournament fixtures: Matchday 1 (Saturday 30th March) - England v Wales (17:45 kick-off); Matchday 2 (Wednesday 3rd April) - Scotland v England (13:15 kick-off);  Matchday 3 (Sunday 7th April) - England v Georgia (15:30 kick-off).