HEREFORDSHIRE schoolboy rugby players have been helping England to victories at both under-18 and under-16 levels in recent internationals.

Leominster boy George Thomas made his debut as a replacement hooker in England's opening 26-15 victory over Ireland in the Home Unions Under-18 Champ-ionship at Cheltenham last Saturday.

And then the Bromsgrove School, Luctonians and Worcester Warriors hooker was in the starting line-up against Scotland on Tuesday evening and gave an impressive display in England's 23-14 victory at Cinderford.

His performance enhanced his chances of a starting place in the tournament decider against Wales at Cheltenham tomorrow (Friday), kick-off 3.45pm.

Last season England and Wales shared the title.

Meanwhile, Hereford Bishop's School scrum-half Ollie Frost played his second game for England Under-16 when the national side completed a double in Italy.

He followed up his appearance in the victory over an Italy Under-17 A side by coming on as a replacement when England beat Italy Under-16 36-15 in Trento last Saturday.

Frost's Bishop's School team-mate Luke Yarranton added his name to the list of young Hereford rugby players gaining international honours with three appearances for England Under-16 A at the Millfield School International Festival.

The flanker was in the starting line-up for the match against Scotland, which England won 11-10, and then made appearances from the substitutes' bench as England also beat Canada 27-0 but then lost their final match against France 19-8.

"It was a brilliant experience," said Yarranton. "Now I hope to get into the under-18 set-up next year."