Cornwall trio named in England Counties tour squad

Ben Hilton has been part of the Cornwall side that has made the County Championship final in the last three seasons

Cornwall trio Ben Hilton, Craig Williams and Matt Shepherd have been called up to the England Counties squad for their tour to Romania.

Launceston second row Hilton has had numerous England Counties call-ups.

But it is the first time that prop forward Williams and scrum-half Shepherd have been included.

"It's great for the squad to get the recognition that they deserve, they've all played very well." Cornwall joint-coach Ian Morgan told BBC Sport.

Williams was also selected last season, but was unable to join the England side because of work commitments.

The trio will be part of the Cornwall side that contests the County Championship final against Lancashire on Sunday, with the three players going on tour straight after the game.

"England Counties is like Ben's second club," said Morgan.

"Craig was called up last season, but couldn't travel, so to get another call-up is fantastic.

"We put Matt in at scrum-half and he's had a fantastic campaign and I'm so pleased he's got that reward, it was only 12 months ago that he was playing in South West One with St Austell - it's a massive rise for him.

"We're thrilled for them and I hope we can send them off on their travels with a winning medal around their neck."