TWO Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School pupils have been picked to represent the Midlands in the forthcoming Divisional weekend at Castle Croft, England rugby's centre of excellence.

Open-side flanker Liam Herbert and second-row Oliver Skyrme both came through the final trials at Solihull School to earn places in the squad.

They will now line-up in games against the South-West, the North and London, and the South-East at the Divisional weekend from January 7-9.

Selections for the England under-16 squad will be made following the divisional matches.

"To get two players in the Midlands squad is no mean feat," said Bishop's head of PE Steve Bradley. "It all adds in nicely to the celebrations for our 40 years of rugby."

Guy Thompson, who missed out recently on selection for the England under-18 group, was the last Bishop's pupil to gain Midlands honours two years ago.

The last time that two pupils from the school were selected together for the side was when Oliver Partridge and Ben Stephens were chosen five years ago.