Chiefs duo in England U-18s squad

By Ben Wiltshire

Exeter Chiefs players Stuart Townsend (top) and Luke Chapman (bottom) have both been named in the England Under-18’s squad that will face South Africa Schools today in Cape Town.

Townsend, who featured for the Chiefs in the recent JP Morgan Sevens Series at Gloucester, has been given the number nine shirt, while Cornish prop Chapman has been named amongst the replacements.

The inclusion of the two players is yet more good news for the Chiefs’ Academy as both Townsend and Chapman will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Sam Hill, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joel Conlon, Henry Slade and Jack Nowell, all of whom formed part of England’s triumphant Under-20s side that lifted IRB Junior World Championship this summer.

England last faced the Baby Boks 12 months ago when they fell to a 36-29 defeat at the University of Western Cape – and coach John Fletcher say that he is expecting another physical contest.

He said: “We know that they are a strong side, they tend to be big up front and have some quick backs.

“But saying that, we have a big pack and we’re looking forward to the game massively. It’s been pretty wet since we got here, but the lads have trained well. It’s a good experience for them, and it’s a new experience for most of them. This is the first of our three games and we’re looking to start well.”

Captain James Chisholm added: “We’re really pleased to be here and excited about play our hosts. South Africa in South Africa is about as tough as it gets, but we’re ready and we can’t wait to get out there.”

England Under-18 starting XV against South Africa

15 Howard Packman (Moulton College & Northampton Saints)
14 Tom Howe (Shiplake College & London Wasps)
13 Nick Carpenter (Filton College & Bristol Rugby)
12 Max Clark (Bryanston & Bath Rugby)
11 Nathan Earle (Oaklands & Saracens)
10 Sam Olver (Oundle School & Northampton Saints)
9 Stuart Townsend (Ivybridge Community College & Exeter Chiefs)

1 Alex Lundberg (Hampton School & London Wasps)
2 Cameron Neild (Manchester Grammar & Sale Sharks)
3 Paul Hill (Prince Henry's Grammar & Leeds Carnegie)
4 Tom Ellis (Millfield & Bath Rugby)
5 Charlie Ewels (Bryanston & Bath Rugby)
6 Hayden Stringer (Oaklands & Saracens)
8 James Chisholm (Brighton College & Harlequins, capt)
7 Lewis Ludlow (Hartpury College & Gloucester Rugby)

Replacements:

16 Jack Walker (Prince Henry's & Leeds Carnegie)
17 Luke Chapman (Truro College & Exeter Chiefs)
18 Ciaran Parker (St Ambrose & Sale Sharks)
19 Josh Peters (Oundle School & Northampton Saints)
20 Ellis Genge (Hartpury College & Bristol Rugby)
21 James Mitchell (Lymm School & Sale Sharks)
22 Will Owen (QE Leicester & Leicester Tigers)
23 Josh Sharp (Oaklands College & Saracens)
24 Rory Jennings (Bryanston School & Bath Rugby)
25 Josh Skelcey (Moulton College & Northampton Saints)
26 Tom Fowlie (St Pauls Catholic College & London Irish)