Three North Midlands players have been included in the England Counties XV squad for the forthcoming tour of Canada.
Birmingham & Solihull centre Cameron Mitchell, Rotherham prop Craig Voisey and Moseley back-row forward Mark Evans have all been rewarded for their impressive performances in North Midlands' recent three-match campaign in the County Championship Bill Beaumont Cup Second Division.
Voisey and Mitchell are newcomers to the Counties XV squad but Evans is among eight members of the 26-strong squad who have played before.
England Counties depart for Canada on Monday May 31 and will play three matches: - Friday, June 4 - The Rock v England Counties at Swilers RFC, St John's, Newfoundland, KO 18.15, Tuesday, June 8 - Ontario Blues v England Counties at Oakville Crusaders, Toronto, KO 19.00 and Saturday, June 12 - British Columbia Bears at Klahanie Park, West Vancouver, KO 15.00.
"I'm always excited whenever we put a new group of players together for a tour, especially when, as in this case, we have a majority of players who will be wearing an England Counties shirt for the first time," says Team Manager Danny Hodgson.
"Only eight of the 26-man squad have been with us before, which means that this group probably has as many debutants as we've ever had. That adds a rewarding extra dimension for the players in terms of forging new friendships and it also challenges them and the coaches.
"Blending an effective unit in which all their individual talents can thrive is one of the big tests for every new Counties squad and from a Manager's perspective, that is always one of the most interesting aspects to see evolving.
"Our record of winning our three previous games in Canada is one we want to extend, but we recognise that Canadian rugby is progressing steadily and we're preparing for a full-on trio of matches.
"We're also looking forward to meeting up with new rugby friends and enjoying the hospitality that has characterised our previous visits. We'll be doing a lot of travelling - from Newfoundland in the east to Vancouver on the western seaboard - so it promises to be a demanding trip in more ways than one.
"But we've had great support from clubs and counties in identifying a top-class squad and I can't wait to see the team in action."
