George Armstrong, of Woodhouse Grove, and Guiseley School’s William Bowie are among 25 boys who have been selected for the North Under-16s in the first season that the national age-group team come under the RFU’s Professional Rugby Department.

They and fellow Leeds Academy members William Dennis, Harry Dunne, Elliott Ward and Lewis Wilson will join 94 others, including 25 each from the Midlands, South West and London and South East.