Jim Mallinder's side open the U18 international series against this Friday the Pumas in their first game of the U18 International Series on Friday at Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch (kick-off 13:30pm BST).

Tighthead prop Fin Baxter will captain the side, with nine players making their England age-grade debut.

Of the six players in the starting XV already capped for England U18s, prop Phil Brantingham joins Baxter in the front row.

Ewan Richards starts in the second row, with Will Trenholm at No 8.

Orlando Bailey is named at fly-half, while Louis Hillman-Cooper is picked at outside centre. Of the replacements prop John Stewart has also been capped for England.

The tour to South Africa marks the start of England U18s' international season, with Mallinder's side also taking on France and South Africa Schools.

Mallinder is joined by consultant coaches Jonathan Fisher, James Lightfoot Brown and Mark Luffman.

Jim Mallinder said: "This is an exciting time for the team, their first game together on tour and I know how much they are looking forward to it.

"We’ve not had a huge amount of preparation time, but we have a clear game plan and I want to see the players go out and execute it on Friday. I also want to see them enjoy themselves and show how good they are.

"For many of these players it is their first time pulling on an England shirt and this will be a special moment for them starting their international journey. To represent your country is a huge honour and to do it in South Africa is very exciting. We’ve trained really well, in brilliant surroundings here in Stellenbosch and I’m sure they will do their country proud."

ENGLAND U18S TO FACE ARGENTINA

15. Oliver Melville – Sale Sharks (Sedbergh School)

14. Matthew Ward – Newcastle Falcons (Gosforth Academy)

13. Louis Hillman-Cooper – Gloucester Rugby (Cheltenham College)

12. Ethan Grayson – Northampton Saints (Northampton School for Boys)

11. Alex Harmes – London Irish (St Pauls College)

10. Orlando Bailey – Bath Rugby (Beechen Cliff School)

9. Sam Edwards – Leicester Tigers (Brooksby Melton College)

1. Phil Brantingham – Newcastle Falcons (RGS Newcastle)

2. Archie Vanes – Leicester Tigers (Brooksby Melton College)

3. Fin Baxter (captain) – Harlequins (Wellington College)

4. Ewan Richards – Bath Rugby (Millfield School)

5. Emeka Ilione – Leicester Tigers (Rugby School)

6. Kit Smith – Leicester Tigers (Oakham School)

7. Daniel Eckersley – Wasps (Bloxham School)

8. Will Trenholm – Harlequins (Cranleigh School)

REPLACEMENTS

16. John Stewart – Bath Rugby (Beechen Cliff School)

17. Tarek Haffar – London Irish (St Pauls College)

18. Joe Keohane – London Irish (St Pauls College)

19. Freddie Thomas – Gloucester Rugby (Dean Close School)

20. Harry Taylor - Gloucester Rugby (Clifton College)

21. Sam Bryan – Saracens (Felsted School)

22. Charlie Atkinson – Wasps (Abingdon School)

23. Will Joseph – London Irish (Millfield School)

24. Oscar Beard – Harlequins (Cranleigh School)

25. Michael Dykes – London Irish (St Pauls College)

U18 International Series fixtures (all times BST):

Friday August 9, 2019 – Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch

12:00 SA Schools A vs France U18

13:30 England U18 vs Argentina U18

15:00 SA Schools vs Wales U18

Tuesday August 13, 2019 – Paarl Gymnasium, Paarl

12:00 SA Schools A vs Wales U18

13:30 SA Schools vs Argentina U18

15:00 England U18 vs France U18

Saturday August 17, 2019 – Hugenote High, Wellington

11:00 SA Schools A vs Argentina U18

12:30 France U18 vs Wales U18

14:00 SA Schools vs England U18

Bath Rugby trio named in England U18 squad to face Argentina

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