RUGBY UNION: Purdy given England nod (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Purdy given England nod

5:30pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

Henry Purdy has been called up to the England Under 20 squad after impressing in his first season with Leicester Tigers.

The 18-year-old former Cokethorpe School pupil and Chipping Norton player joined Leicester last summer and has been a regular fixture in their A team this season.

Wing Purdy and Harlequins Harry Sloan were added to England’s Elite Player Squad (EPS) as they look to defend their Six Nations title and compete in the IRB Junior World Championship in June.

Head coach Rob Hunter said: “We’ve made a couple of changes to the squad and brought in two guys who have been performing consistently well at their club.

“Both Harry and Henry are talented players and we’re excited to see what they can bring.”

Meanwhile, Chipping Nor-ton underlined their promotion credentials with a 72-17 thumping of Aylesbury Athletic in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division.

Matt Dawson led the way for second-placed Chippy with a hat-trick of tries, while Kieran Phillips-Tebb, Matty King and Dean Beauchamp added braces.

Sam Jackson, Tom Goffe and Sam Townsend also went over, with Barry Nutt kicking five conversions and Jackson one.

Hooker Ryan Harris and full back James Monks grabbed two tries apiece as Witney returned to form with a 39-19 home win over Marlow in South West 1 East.

Wing Luke Manning also went over, while fly half Henry Lamb kicked four conversions and two penalties.