The squad was selected following a national development weekend held at the end of February which saw players from across the country gather for the three day selection process.

Evan and Matthew will face Ireland in two test matches on the 4th April followed by 7th April with both matches to be played at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth.

"The standard has improved year on year and this year the selection process was really tough," said manager Dave Penberthy. "We know Ireland will be very well prepared and will bring a huge amount of physicality but there is a lot of excitement amongst our squad and a real sense of team unity already."

Chinnor are the only club to have 2 players in the national squad which a massive endorsement of the players ability and the coaching set up at the club. Both players are shining examples of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work and are excellent ambassadors for the club and the game.

Evan Davies

Evan attends Princes Risborough School, joined Chinnor aged 14 and plays Fullback

“ Playing rugby at Chinnor has been a opportunity to meet some great people and make new mates for life and I want to get as far as I can in rugby terms. The Counties process was very challenging from the first trial for Oxfordshire all the way to the regional weekend in Stourbridge as we played some very good teams with some outstanding individuals. I would like to thank my coaches Greg and Mark for my progress helping me develop as a rugby player both on and off the pitch.”

Matthew Wilkinson

Matthew, who wears the No 6 shirt and captained the SW England Counties side, joined the club aged just 5 and has played at every age group though the club and attends Waddesdon School.

“ I love the camaraderie at Chinnor and my time with the boys! I want to play at the highest level I can. The Counties process has been tough but I‘ve enjoyed the challenge!"

The boys preparations will include a match session against Ealing Trailfinders Academy on 10th March with head coach Giles Heagerty once again taking charge of the side.
He will be assisted by Ex Chinnor favourite Matt Hutchings with Bee Bannister taking on the role of Chair of Selectors and Andrew Rickard as assistant team

England Counties U18 squad

1 Edward ANDERSON, Durham, Yarm School & Yarm RFC
2 Theo BARKWAY HALL, Surrey, Epsom College & Weybridge Vandals RFC
3 Luke BOUCHIER, Hertfordshire, Oakland Academy & Chesham RFC
4 Harry CLAYTON, Leicestershire, Stamford School & Leicester Forest RFC
5 Zachary CLOW, Hampshire, St John’s College Southsea & Havant RFC
6 Edward Cox, Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire Stamford School
7 Harry CRAVEN, Cheshire, The Grange School & Chester
8 Evan DAVIES, Oxfordshire, Princes Risborough School & Chinnor RFC
9 Charlie FLECKNEY, East Midlands, Moulton College & Ampthill RFC
10 Joshua GOODWIN, Sussex, Seaford College & Chichester RFC
11 Aaron GRANDIDIER-NKANANG, Kent, St Olave’s Grammar School & Old Elthamians RFC
12 Matas JUREVICIUS, Kent, Hayes School & Saracens RFC
13 Cameron KING, Oxfordshire, St Edward’s School
14 Thomas KNIGHT-OWEN, Hampshire, Peter Symmonds College & Trojans RFC
15 Oliver MOODY, Hertfordshire, Haileybury College & Old Albanians RFC
16 William RIGG, Warwickshire, Solihull School
17 James SHERLOCK, Cheshire, Lymm High School & Lymm RFC
18 Aaron SIMMONDS, Cornwall, Truro College & Penryn RFC
19 Luke SPRING, Hampshire, Brockenhurst College & Bournemouth RFC
20 Isaac THOMPSON, Leicestershire, Oakham School & Melton Mowbray RFC
21 Austin WALLIS, Surrey, Reeds School & Reeds Weybridge RFC
22 Jamie WHITE, Worcestershire, Worcester 6th Form College & Worcester RFC
23 Matthew WILKINSON, Oxfordshire, Waddeson C of E School & Chinnor RFC