Wharfedale flyer Taylor Prell (Giggleswick School)  is one of ten players on the England under-18 bench as they begin the defence of their FIRA/AER European Championship against Portugal in Poznan, Poland tomorrow (11am BST).

Joining him there is Prince Henry's Grammar School prop Lewis Boyce, while their Leeds Carnegie clubmate Josh Bainbridge starts at flanker.

Northampton Saints centre Harry Mallinder, son of Saints' director of rugby Jim, will lead the side in what is a repeat of last year’s opening game.

England won that one 82-8 but head coach John Fletcher is expecting a physical match. He said: “We’re looking forward to another FIRA Tournament – it’s good for the players to experience the hotel, the food and the culture of another country, because that’s part and parcel of modern rugby.

“We played Portugal last season and we know that they won’t hold back, but we have confidence in ourselves and we’ll be looking for the guys to perform as well as they can.

“Harry will lead the side out for this game, although Sam Underhill is our tour captain, and it’s a great opportunity for both of those players.”