England Counties v France Amateurs - Fri 22nd Feb ko 19:00 at Ealing Trailfinders RFC, Vallis Way, London W13

OK, with the 6N approaching the pivotal halfway mark this weekend, this article may not draw much interest, but I'm posting it anyway.



The England Counties squad are drawn predominantly from National League 1, the third tier of English club rugby. All the squad bar Mark George and Will Hurrell of Stourbridge (who are flying high at the top of Nat. 2 North) are from Nat. 1 clubs.

Aside from Wasps I follow Ealing and enjoy the rugby at this level. Very few reset scrums and a willingness from most teams to entertain the crowd.

Having come off second best against an Ireland Club selection, the Counties take on France Amateurs on Friday night in what should be an entertaining game, and a very sociable get together for the fans. Tickets are available on the night at £12.

England Counties

Good luck to both. Must be fantastic to turn out for your country regardless of level.

Must admit that I am a bit jealous, yet another representative team that we don’t have any more along with an A side. Last time I remember hearing of a Welsh Club XV was when they toured Germany years ago.

Hi Coleman. Some of us Ealing fans went to the pre-season friendly against Cardiff RFC at the CAP. That was a good game, with Cardiff edging it 17-15 I think. Plus I met up with PenfroPete and Cari in the City Arms before the game

For sure, a combined Welsh Premiership side (which is probably the equivalent level), would do well. However, it all comes down to funding from the union, and it's a shame that the WRU can't/won't even fund an A team.

The Counties had a very good tour of East Africa last year promoting the game there.

Wales used to pick our Am XV from Div 1 downwards, we had a couple of lads make it in to the squad from our club one year and that was the last year it took place I think. It'd be nice for the WRU to see it as a development tool for players who missed the boat with regionalism (Liam Williams being such a player). As you've said with England Counties touring East Africa, it could be used to help lower ranked countries (6 Nations B/C) see where they are in regards to Championship/Div 1 teams in Wales and also be a real cherry for players in the mid tier whilst at the same time giving Prem coaches some players to look at.

It is good for players to represent their country at that level. The Irish certainly buy into the concept. Counties haven't beaten them in Ireland in three attempts.

It is more of a benefit to the Welsh, Irish and Scots to give players experience of international representation at that level I would think, given there is no second level of pro rugby in those countries.

By contrast, most of the Counties squad have virtually no chance of a pro contract, and have found their 'level'. However, the experience of international representation is invaluable. Plus the chancce to go on tour

Just in case anyone is interested, England Counties beat France Federale 27-7. A good game that was not spoiled by a 15 minute blizzard.

Well played by both teams.