Perry played for England A in the win over Italy A and has become part of the senior England training squad.

England A coach John Wells said: "Shaun has come out of the blue into the international reckoning but his form this season has been outstanding.

"His enthusiasm and banter have helped pull this team together and he fully deserves to be appointed captain."

England A: M Van Gisbergen, P Sackey, J Clarke, O Smith, C Bell; S Drahm, S Perry (capt); T Payne, A Titterrell, S Turner, L Deacon, T Palmer, A Beattie, M Lipman, C Jones.
Replacements: M Cairns, N Wood, D Ward-Smith, T Rees, N Walshe, S Vesty, D Armitage