BOURNEMOUTH Rugby's Sam Bailey has been named as a reserve ahead of England counties under-20's forthcoming trip to the Netherlands.

England are set to play two games during the tour, the second of which will be a clash with a representative Netherlands side on Saturday, June 10.

Bournemouth forwards coach James Croker told the club website: “There are not many 18-year-olds who would be at the standard required to play for our first XV. But even at that age, Sam was a recognisable talent.

"The club continues to support and encourage Sam wherever his rugby career takes him and we wish him the very best for his time with England.”

Lock Bailey takes his place in a 25-man England counties squad for 2017-18 having played in a 26-19 win over Nottingham

He was recently named skipper of England's south west side for a clash against England north, having come through a successful trial.

The youngster joined Bournemouth from Oakmeadians as an under-16 player and made his first-team debut in the 2015-16 season.

Bailey was a key cog in the Dorset & Wilts side which reached the final of the Under-20 County Championship this season.

Although he is studying physics at Loughborough University, Bailey still plays for Lions when he returns home.