Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union 

Press Notice 

Two Herts Players for Canada

The Hertfordshire players have been selected for the England Counties tour to Canada next month. Centre Henry Staff (Saracens Academy/Blackheath) and flanker Will Fraser (Saracens) are named in the 26 man squad for the three match trip that leaves next Monday (May 31st). Both players played a full part in Hertfordshire's defeat of Devon in the Bill Beaumont Cup last Saturday, with Fraser outstanding in the loose and Staff getting on the scoreboard with a 50 metre try. 

These two players join Dave Archer, Chris Rainbow and Rob Anderson on the select list of Hertfordshire Players who have represented England Counties. 

The England Counties XV has had a reputation for casting a wide selection net since its inception in 2002 and that tradition has been faithfully maintained in this squad. Players from 12 different Counties and 20 different clubs are involved in one of the most diverse groupings ever to represent the Counties XV. 
 
"I'm always excited whenever we put a new group of players together for a tour, especially when, as in this case, we have a majority of players who will be wearing an England Counties shirt for the first time," says Team Manager Danny Hodgson. 
 
"Only eight of the 26-man squad have been with us before, which means that this group probably has as many debutants as we've ever had. That adds a rewarding extra dimension for the players in terms of forging new friendships and it also challenges them and the coaches.  
 
"Our record of winning our three previous games in Canada is one we want to extend, but we recognise that Canadian rugby is progressing steadily and we're preparing for a full-on trio of matches. 
 
"We're also looking forward to meeting up with new rugby friends and enjoying the hospitality that has characterised our previous visits. We'll be doing a lot of travelling - from Newfoundland in the east to Vancouver on the western seaboard - so it promises to be a demanding trip in more ways than one.  
 
"But we've had great support from clubs and counties in identifying a top-class squad and I can't wait to see the team in action." 
 
Itinerary: 
Friday, June 4 - The Rock v England Counties at Swilers RFC, St John's, Newfoundland

Tuesday, June 8 - Ontario Blues v England Counties at Oakville Crusaders, Toronto 
Saturday, June 12 - British Columbia Bears at Klahanie Park, West Vancouver