HENRY Purdy has been called up to the England Under 20 squad after impressing in his first season with Leicester Tigers.

The 18-year-old, from Milton-under-Wychwood, joined Leicester last summer and made his first-team debut in their LV Cup defeat to Saracens in November.

A former Cokethorpe School pupil and Chipping Norton player, Purdy (pictured) has been a regular fixture in their A team this season and appeared for Tigers against Oxford University at Iffley Road.

Wing Purdy and Harlequins centre Harry Sloan were added to England’s Elite Player Squad (EPS) as they look to defend their Six Nations title and compete in the IRB Junior World Championship in June.

England Under 20 head oach Rob Hunter said: “We’ve brought in two guys who have been performing consistently well at their clubs.

“Both Harry and Henry are talented players and we’re excited to see what they can bring.”

Also included is Wasps prop Alec Hepburn, from Henley, who played in all ten of England’s matches last season.

  • SIX Oxfordshire players have been named in the South West Under 18 squad, the next stage towards England selection.

They are prop Angus Weir, flanker Tom Kynge and wing Peter Moore, from Abingdon School, prop William Stuart and lock Max Murison, from Radley College, and Cokethorpe School flanker Josh Poole.

St Edward’s School, Oxford pupil Max Chandler has made the South West Under 16 squad.

  • LITTLEMORE are now running mini rugby sessions in partnership with London Welsh.

They take place at Littlemore’s Oxford Academy ground between 11.30am and 1pm on Sundays.

Boys and girls aged seven to 11 are welcome. Report to London Welsh community coach Matt Walsh on the day.

To volunteer with coaching, please e-mail Tim Stevens on tim.stevens@sport.ox.ac.uk

JUNIOR SCORES

Under 16: Banbury 39 (tries W Hardy 3, H Smith 2, T Childs, H Graham; cons S Manning 2), Shipston-on-Stour 24.

Under 12: Banbury A 35 (tries N Wiesheu 2, A Barbeary 2, H Horrocks, H Gardner, J Hand), Chipping Norton A 0; Banbury B 10 (tries S Lowe 2), Chipping Norton A/B 5.

Under 10: Chipping Norton A 5, Banbury A 10 (tries O Whiting, C Neale); Chipping Norton C 10, Banbury C 5 (try O Michael).

Under 9: Chipping Norton 0, Banbury 50 (tries K Kinser 4, C Davies 3, H Nelson 2, J Hancock).