Whitgift School pupil named England captain

Whitgift School pupil Harry Ledger has received an early birthday present after being named captain of the England U16 rugby squad this afternoon.

The back row forward, who turns 16 later this month, has helped the South Croydon school reach this year's Daily Mail National U18 Cup final.

And he will lead his country into the annual Four Nations tournament in Italy next month where they meet Wales and France before facing the host nation.

Ledger, of Sutton & Epsom, Surrey and the Harlequins elite player development group, plays at No 8 for Whitgift and did so again in England U16s' practice match against a Combined Academies U17 side last weekend, but has the ability to slot in across the back row.

England U16s lead coach Phil Stanlake said: "The England U16 coaches have been considering their choice over a period of time and Harry has got the nod for his personal qualities and the way he leads by example on the field."