Blaydon lock Chris Wearmouth has been called into the England Counties squad for their match against France Federale on Friday at Ealing Trailfinders (7pm). He played and scored in the Counties’ 34-16 win over Ireland at Preston Grasshoppers last year.

“That was an incredible match to be part of. Crossing the line in the last play of the game was a once in a lifetime feeling,” said Wearmouth, who is joined in the squad by fellow Blaydon forwards Matt Hall and Robbie Kalbraier.

Wearmouth also represented England Counties on tour to East Africa in June 2012, where he played in all three fixtures.