ENGLAND South Under 16s suffered their first defeat in their final match of the Wellington International Festival when they were beaten 22-9 by Wales Under 16 A this afternoon.

England South led 6-3 at the break through two penalties from full-back Nick Rawsthorne (The Brooksbank School, Old Brodleians and Yorkshire) but Wales were dangerous after the break and scored three well-worked and unanswered tries.

Rawsthorne added a third penalty for England South who suffered the only defeat in six matches involving three England sides at the week-long festival.

“We were disappointed to end with a defeat but it has been a successful week,” said England South head coach Richard Wareham.

“The boys have worked hard throughout the week and we have seen them develop as people as well as rugby players in the time that they have been together.”

England North Under 16s had their match against Scotland Under 16s called off because of an outbreak of scrumpox in the United States Under 17 side.

Although none of the England North players were affected by the contagious skin condition, Scotland were reluctant to play against sides who had faced the Americans earlier in the tournament.

England North beat the United States in their second match at the festival on Tuesday.