Young 18-year-old Bristol Bears academy second-row Charlie Rice has been tipped as a player to watch by director of rugby Pat Lam.
The teenage lock has been rewarded for his training, academy and second team performances by being selected by Lam to train against the England senior team at Pennyhill Park this week as Eddie Jones’ side prepares to face Tonga at Twickenham in their opening game of the Autumn Nation Series.
Jones and his coaches rang around the Premiership clubs this week to ask for some additional players to run in opposition and Lam put forward the SGS Filton student who also impressed at the weekend in the Bears’ 43-12 defeat to Gloucester Rugbty.
Speaking on Wednesday about the former Gordano Sharks and England U18 international, Lam said: “Young Charlie Rice did extremely well in our A-team hit out against Gloucester.
“The young second-rower is a local boy and England were looking for someone from our academy to and train with them this week in the build-up to Tonga so he is going to train with them on Thursday.
“He was buzzing and boys gave him a big congratulations.
“He is all excited, a little nervous, so he is going to join the camp to go and help prepare England.”
England specifically asked for a lock, but explaining why Rice has earned the opportunity ahead of others, Lam explained: “He was chosen because, he is very raw - still a teenager, but jeez when I talk about effort and putting in the work [he is the epitome].
“It is a great experience for him to go and train with England.
“It will be part of his development to see what the next level is like.”
Bristol Bears tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler has been named in the starting side to face Tonga on Saturday, making his 45th England appearance, and Lam ensured he looks after his young clubmate. He said: “I spoke to Kyle [Sinckler] and he will look out for him as well.
“It is great these guys can get to experience at the highest level and to be able to help England out.”
Rice is the latest second-row talent to come through the club's academy with high hopes for 6ft 8in England U20 forward Alex Groves who is currently on loan with Championship side Hartpury while John Hawkins impressed off the bench last weekend against London Irish.
Bristol scrum-half Harry Randall had originally been expected to feature at Twickenham this week but misses out after picking up a hip flexor injury that looks set to keep him out of action until Christmas.
England
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 66 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 59 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 48 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 87 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
8. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 33 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 72 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 1 cap)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps)
23. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
