The pair were invited to represent South West England U18s at the RFU’s divisional trials recently.

They were part of a 25-man squad that took part in a three-day National Development camp at Loughborough University where competition for places was fierce.

In all, there were 92 players taking part with the rest representing teams from the North, Midlands, London & South East and the South West.

After games against the three other divisional sides, all the players were assessed during training sessions run by specialist coaching teams before final selection was made.

In a major coup for Bracknell, both Atkins and Hayhow made the cut and will now take part in another three-day training camp before the squad is reduced even further to 24 players.

That 24-man squad will then compete in the International Festival at Hartpury College in April, when the England team will play capped games against Ireland and France.

Atkins, 17, and Hayhow, who is 16, are playing a year above their age group which makes their achevement that much more impressive.

The pair are now hoping to impress at Hartpury and win an international cap for their country.