Launceston's Ben Hilton named in England Counties squad

Launceston captain Ben Hilton has been named in a 20-man England Counties squad to face a French Federation XV.

Hilton is one of four National League Two South players in the squad, with Exmouth scrum-half Richard Bolt also selected for the game on 31 January.

Plymouth Albion head coach James Shanahan is also involved with the squad as backs coach.

The Counties side will be captained by Wharfedale forward Rob Baldwin, who led the tour to east Africa in 2012.

"The squad has plenty of experience with a number of players who were involved in last year's victory against France Federale," said England Counties manager Mike Old.

"That was a hugely physical game and we expect the game in Nevers to be extremely tough, but we believe that we have the squad to match the French and the creativity to give ourselves scoring opportunities."

England Counties XV squad v France Federale XV:

Backs: Jack Adams (Cinderford), Richard Bolt (Exmouth), Chris Briers (Fylde), Chris Johnson (Fylde), Cameron Mitchell (Darlington Mowden Park), Kiba Richards (Worthing), Sean Taylor (Preston Grasshoppers), Jim Wigglesworth (Cambridge)

Forwards: Rob Baldwn (Wharfedale, captain), Jamal Ford-Robinson (Cambridge), Ben Hilton (Launceston), Robbie Kalbriaer (Blaydon), Alex MacKenzie (Rosslyn Park), Brett McNamee (Old Albanians), Johnny Matthews (Sedgley Park), Alex Penney (Henley), Pierce Phillips (Darlington Mowden Park), Sam Shires (Rosslyn Park), Robbie Stapley (Henley), Tom Stradwick (Blackheath), Chris Wearmouth (Blaydon)