Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2016 begins on Sunday.

Following a trial session at Truro RFC, the Under 20 squad have trained for a number of weeks sometimes in atrocious weather in preparation for their first game against Berkshire at Redingensians RFC, Reading with a 2 pm kick off.

CRFU President Ken Plummer said: “This is the first game at this level for some of the team and they start with a tough game away to last year’s beaten finalist.

"I want to thank the coaching team of Ian Morgan, Mike Rawlings, Bryn Jenkins and team manager Chris Lea for their work in pulling together the team. I also offer my congratulations to Jack Simmons of Camborne RFC who has been appointed the captain for the coming season,”

He went on to say “I would also like to thank, Kelsall Steele for their continued sponsorship of U20 section, along with Booth Printers our programme sponsors”.

Cornwall faces 2 other games in the group stage during February and March, depending on results, with the quarterfinals being played at the end of March.

Coach Ian Morgan said – “We have a young squad who have trained well and in good numbers on Sunday mornings in Truro. They now face a stern test away against a strong Berkshire squad.”

Cornwall also face Gloucestershire away on Sunday 28 February at Cinderford RFC, before a final pool stage game at home and will Devon on Sunday 13 March 2016 at Camborne RFC.

Coach Mike Rawlings said: “It is testament to the guys who have trained on Sunday mornings. It is never easy after games for their own clubs on the Saturday. They have trained hard and know they face a difficult task, but they will be extremely proud to pull on the famous black and gold shirt of Cornwall.”

CRFU Chair Denis Preece said: “This is the first opportunity for some of these players to represent Cornwall at senior level. A number of the players, who have gone before them, have gone on to represent the full County 15 and some have played at Twickenham!! Last season Todd Prisk and Tommy Phillips through their performances with Cornwall were selected for the England Counties U20 squad that toured Hungary.”

Cornwall Under 20 team manager Chris Lea said: “This squad is a mixture of players from last season, new players nominated from clubs and guys who have progressed through the Under 18 age group. It is great to see these guys getting progression through the County system and a number of former players are now playing at Premiership and Championship level, as well as clubs within Cornwall.”

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance.

Cornwall under-20s: Tommy Lee Southworth (Camborne), Adam Smith (Camborne), Tommy Phillips (Redruth), Luke Hattam (Redruth), Andy Inch (St Austell), Locryn Williams (Chinnor), Liam Moyle (Camborne), Adam Hughes (Penryn), Brandon Andrews (Saltash), James Mcfarlane (Redruth / Exeter Uni), Konnor Ewudzi (St Austell), Dan Rutter (Redruth), Jack Simmons (capt, Camborne), Lewis Thomas (St Ives), Ben Stean (Camborne), Ryan Burley (Penryn), Ben Illsley (Camborne), Aaron Vincent (Lankelly-Fowey), Angus Brown (Camborne), Kieran Down (Saltash), Tom Sandercock (Cornish All Blacks), Connor Swan (Cardiff Met). Travelling reserves: Connor Bick (Pirates Amateurs), Harry Smith (Wadebridge Camels), Will Whitworth (Redruth), Dan Jane (St Austell).