Luctonians star Burton picked for England Counties tour of East Africa (From Hereford Times)

Luctonians star Burton picked for England Counties tour of East Africa

2:00pm Thursday 31st May 2012 in Sport

LUCTONIANS’ Will Burton has been picked for the England Counties’ three-match tour to Uganda and Kenya.

Nineteen-year-old Burton, from Lyonshall, will be travelling to East Africa this weekend.

The 17-day trip includes matches against Uganda and a combined East Africa side in Kampala before the challenge of an East African Invitation XV in Nairobi.

Burton, a back, is among 12 debutants named in the squad, which will also be working with the Tag Rugby Trust in visits to orphanges and schools.

He is a first-year student at Harper Adams University College in Telford.

The England Counties squad is the flagship of the county and community game since being founded in 2002.

England Counties’ team manager Michael Old said: “Will’s selection is reflective of the talent he was shown during his strong performances for Luctonians this year and in the County Championship for the North Midlands.”

He added: “England Counties may, for some players, be the pinnacle of their career and, for others, a springboard to higher honours.

“We have had four players who have gone on to play for England at elite level, including Ben Foden and David Strettle.”

England Counties’ games on the tour: Uganda in Kampala, June 5; East Africa in Kampala, June 9; East Africa Invitation XV in Nairobi, June 16.