Jacob Atkins and Connor Hayhow were named in the 23-man squad following the final assessment day at Hartpury College recently.

An initial squad of 30 players attended the trials day, which comprised a number of games followed by a physical match against Gloucester Academy.

The selectors had to make the difficult decision as to which 23 players would progress to represent the South West England counties, and both Bracknell players caught their eye.

Following their selection, Atkins and Hayhow will now join up with the squad in the New Year for more training sessions.

In February they will also attend a three-day festival at Loughborough University where they will play matches against teams from the North, Midlands and London & South East.

Following these games, the selectors will pick an England U18 schools and counties squad, with Atkins and Hayhow standing an excellent chance of making the final cut.

Both players attend school at St Paul’s in Sunbury and are part of the London Irish AASE scheme.

Hayhow has progressed through the minis and junior section with Bracknell RFC since 2003, while Atkins has belonged to Bracknell since 2012.

Both have also represented Berkshire at all age groups.

Their selection for the South West England U18s squad is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the high quality of coaching on offer at Bracknell.