The squad has been selected on performances in the inter-county matches played before Christmas and also at the Midlands development sessions as the final trial, which was due to be played at Wilmslow HS last week, was cancelled because of snow.

The Midlands will play London & SE in the opening match at the Divisional Festival on February 10 at 12noon which will be followed by South West v North at 2pm.

On February 12 the North will play London & SE at 11am with the Midlands taking on the South West at 1pm.

Midlands Under 16 squad:

Backs: Jon Hughes (RGS Worcester, Droitwich and North Midlands), David Williams (Lancaster School and Leicestershire), Jonny Allen (Solihull School and Warwickshire), Nico Defeo (Bedford Modern School, Bedford and East Midlands), Zakk Scorer (Bedford Modern School, Bedford and East Midlands); Connor Bullivant (Northampton School for Boys, Northampton Old Scouts and East Midlands), Ben Williams (Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School, Hereford and North Midlands), Charlie Thacker (Leicester GS and Leicestershire), Harry Mallinder (Rugby School and East Midlands), Harry Walbaum (King Edward VI Five Ways and North Midlands).

Forwards: Owen Hills (Dixie GS and Leicestershire), Lawrence Finch (Solihull School and Warwickshire), Joe Blake (Warwick School and Warwickshire), James Fish (Heanor Gate School, Derby and NLD), Arron Pike (Leicester GS and Leicestershire), Max Ley (Warwick School and Warwickshire), Oliver Beeke (Warwick School and Warwickshire), Will Elt (King’s Worcester, Worcester and North Midlands), Alex Shorthouse (Wellingborough School, Northampton Old Scouts and East Midlands), Oliver Lyons (Bedford School, Olney and East Midlands), Joe Wrafter (Old Swinford Hospital School, Worcester and North Midlands), Josh Feek (Old Swinford Hospital School and North Midlands), Jamie Manley (Ferers College, Kettering and East Midlands), Jacob Connor (Northampton School for Boys, Old Northamptonians and East Midlands).