Fylde’s Woodlands Memorial Ground

ENGLAND Counties XV have appointed Old Albanians lock Billy Johnson as captain for their international against Scotland Club XV at Fylde’s Woodlands Memorial Ground on Friday February 27 (7.30pm).

Johnson, who plays county rugby for Hertfordshire, has previous international experience with the England Counties XV and also captains his club in National League One.

“Billy is well respected by his team mates at club and county level and he leads from the front. He has also been a consistent performer for club and at county level, year in year out,” said England Counties XV manager Matt Long.

“He also captains his club and his county and has valuable experience of the England Counties environment having been involved in previous spring internationals and summer tours.

“Billy has performed very well in his previous England Counties games, most recently on last summer’s tour to Georgia.”

Johnson, 28, previously played for Datchworth, Loughborough Students, Hertford and Bedford Blues.

He attended Simon Balle School in Hertford and Loughborough University and now works as a civil engineer.

The Scotland Club XV match is the only home fixture for the England Counties XV this season and will be followed by a trip to Perigeux to play France Federale XV on March 20 and two matches in Romania on their summer tour in early June.

Tickets for the England Counties XV v Scotland Club XV international at Fylde on February 27  can be obtained from: Fylde RFC, The Woodlands Memorial Ground, Blackpool Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire FY8 4EL. Telephone: 01253 734733 or email: info@fylderugby.co.uk

Prices are: adult £8.00, concessions £5.00, under 16s £2.00, under 16s accompanied by an adult, free.