Collins played for England Counties against France Amateurs in 2009

Redruth lock Luke Collins has been called up the England Counties squad for their forthcoming tour to Canada.

The 27-year-old forward, who was at the Cornish Pirates last term, is one 26 players selected for the trip.

Plymouth Albion scrum-half Tom Kessel will also be in the touring party which leaves on 31 May.

The team, which has representatives from 20 different clubs, are set to play matches in Newfoundland, Toronto and Vancouver at the start of June.

Manager Danny Hodgson said: "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 he first time."

"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.

"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," he added.

England Counties tour schedule:

Friday, 4 June - The Rock v England Counties at Swilers RFC, St John's, Newfoundland

Tuesday, 8 June - Ontario Blues v England Counties at Oakville Crusaders, Toronto

Saturday, 12 June - British Columbia Bears at Klahanie Park, West Vancouver

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