Hereford-based rugby players Laura Keates and Stephanie Cousins played in the two matches on England Women's Under-19's first tour in Canada.

Both prop Keates, aged 17, and hooker Cousins, 19, came on as replacements to help England beat their Canadian counterparts 27-5 at Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island.

Keates started the second game last Sunday and Cousins was a replacement but England were unable to complete the double and suffered a 20-13 defeat.

Both girls have made their mark since progressing from Hereford school and club rugby and are currently members of Worcester.

England ran in five tries in their victory over Canada, with Petersfield winger Fiona Pocock claiming a hat-trick.

Canada did not allow England the same freedom of play in the following encounter.

The hosts went into a 20-3 lead but England did well to battle back 10 points and gained valuable experience.