South West trio in Counties squad

Peter Joyce was also selected for the England Counties squad in 2007.

Three South West rugby players have been selected for the England Counties squad to tour Japan and Korea.

Redruth's Owen Hambly and Peter Joyce have been called up to the 26-man squad alongside Wayne Sprangle, who plays for Plymouth Albion.

With 15 different clubs represented in the XV, manager Danny Hodgson feels he has covered all the bases.

"We've got a very good blend, with a good continent of youngsters and a nice balance in terms of experience."

"I think the squad looks absolutely superb," he added.

The Counties XV play three matches on the tour which leaves on 31 May and will be breaking new ground by visiting Korea and Japan.

"As always when we name a Counties squad and prepare to visit another destination the excitement is intense," Hodgson said.

"Korea and Japan will expand our horizons in a fresh and thrilling direction."

England Counties Squad:

Backs: Chris Bishay (unattached), Gareth Collins (Leicester Lions), Nick Royle (Fylde), James Aston (unattached), Jack Harrison (Tynedale), Patrick Leach (Manchester), Kyle Dench (Otley), Steve Parsons (Otley), Mark Woodrow (Birmingham & Solihull), Tom Eaton (Manchester), Tom Richardson (Stourbridge), Huw Thomas (Nuneaton)

Forwards: Chris Rowland (Clifton), Rob O'Donnell (Sale), Joe Graham (Tynedale), Owen Hamley (Redruth), Matthew Long (Birmingham & Solihull), Peter Joyce (Redruth), Matt Owen (Manchester), Paul Ralph (Manchester), Mike Howard (Bedford), Eni Gesinde (Tynedale), Chris Rainbow (Hertford), Wayne Sprangle (Plymouth Albion), Sebastian Moss (Manchester), Jason Smithson (Blaydon)