England Academy name 20-man squad to face Wales

Correspondent 04 Oct 2013 1:30 PM

England Academy have named a 20-man squad to face Wales Academy in a two-Test series which starts on Sunday October 13.

Seven Super League clubs are represented in the squad, which features eight players from Grand Finalists Wigan, three from League Leaders Huddersfield, one from St Helens and two apiece from Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Warrington.

England Academy coach John Winder, who believes that junior rugby league in England is thriving, said, “Whenever you select a national team it is a tough decision.

“We have some great talent and there are good players who miss out now but they only miss out on this squad, for these Tests. The door is always open.

“One of the big strengths of the England programme is that we have players coming in who have Super League experience.”

The Academy will attend a training camp in South Wales, starting on Friday October 11, before they play Wales Academy on Sunday October 13 (3.00pm) and Friday October 18, with both matches to be played at Taffs Wells RFC near Cardiff.

England Academy squad to play Wales Academy (professional and community clubs in brackets):

Ben Austin (Wigan Warriors, Ince Rose Bridge)

Jordan Baldwinson (Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Warriors)

Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors, Ince Rose Bridge)

Lewis Charnock (St Helens, Rylands)

Jake Connor (Huddersfield Giants, Siddal)

Nathan Conroy (Bradford Bulls, West Bowling)

Tyler Dickinson (Huddersfield Giants, Siddal)

Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)

Ryan Hampshire (Wigan Warriors, Normanton)

Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)

Toby King (Warrington Wolves, Meltham All Black)