England Age Group squads in action at Bisham and Lilleshall

England Age Group squads are in action at Bisham and Lilleshall during the half term break. After a busy January, with training camps and matches against university sides, the teams look forward to more time together and their first taste of international opposition.

England U18 Boys host Ireland U18 Boys in a series of training matches at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. England U16 Boys host Ulster U17 Boys for three games, also at Bisham.

Mark Bateman, Lead Talent Coach (Boys) said: “The England U18 and U16 Boys are looking forward to testing themselves against very competitive Ireland and Ulster teams. We’ll be looking to continue our technical, tactical and off-pitch development, using the three matches to support this.”

The England U18 Girls squad is immersed in an innovative Great Britain Women's Pathway event at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, playing matches, training and integrating with the Great Britain Senior Women's squad and Great Britain Elite Development Programme squad. U18 athletes from Scotland and Wales are also attending. England U16 Girls are also training at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

Lisa Letchford, Lead Talent Coach (Girls), commented: “This is one of the most inspirational and aspirational moments that I have been involved in with an international age group programme. The opportunity we are providing to stretch and be stretched across the pathway is hugely exciting for developing our players and coaches.”