England Counties captain Billy Johnson

ENGLAND Counties XV have made five changes to their squad for the international against France Federale XV in Perigueux on Friday March 20.

Blackheath centre Markus Burcham has been called up to replace Coventry’s Luke Myring who was injured in the 37-3 win over Scotland Club XV at Fylde two weeks ago and hooker Matt Miles of Worthing Raiders comes in for the injured Brett McNamee of Old Albanians.

Worthing lock Charlie McGowan and Richmond back row forward Chris Davies are both unavailable next week so Chris Wearmouth of Blaydon and the experienced Darren Fox of Peterborough Lions have been called up.

The uncapped Jack Daly, the  Old Albaniansscrum-half,  has been added to the squad that was on duty at Fylde as an additional player.

Daly’s club-mate Billy Johnson will again captain England Counties after a successful first match in charge against Scotland.

England Counties, the flagship representative team of community rugby in England, will be seeking to avenge a one point defeat by France Federale in Nevers last season in their final match before they tour Romania in June.

England Counties XV

Backs: Joe Bedford (Sandal), Jordan Dorrington (Fylde), Chris Johnson (Fylde), Mike Wilcox (Cinderford), Seb Rodwell (London Irish Wild Geese), Markus Burcham (Blackheath), Oli Brennand (Fylde), Will Hurrell (Coventry), James Love (Ealing Trailfinders), Cameron Mitchell (Darlington Mowden Park), Jack Daly (Old Albanians).

Forwards: Aston Croall (Balckheath) Robbie Kalbraier (Blayson), Steve Johnson (Hull Ionians), Tom Harrison (Clifton) Matt Miles (Worthing Raiders), Sam Wilkes (Cinderford), Keith Laughlin (Blaydon), Ben Hilton (Launceston), Chris Wearmouth (Blaydon), Billy Johnson (Old Albanians – captain),  Gavin Jones (Blaydon), Evan Stewart (Fylde), Darren Fox (Peterborough Lions).