Four Academy and College players selected for England U18s

Published on: 11/03/2026

Exeter Chiefs Academy and Exeter College will provide four players to make their England U18s debuts against France U18s this weekend.

Centre Charlie Bosanko, wing Archie Guyver, lock Jeremy Keys and back-row Henry Westlake have travelled to Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre today for training ahead of this standalone international fixture at Chinnor RFC on Saturday (KO 14:00).

Exeter College’s strength & conditioning coach Dan Johnstone has also been called up to work with the England U18s staff.

Exeter Chiefs Academy’s manager Rob Gibson said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the lads selected into the U18s training camp. It’s a fantastic reward for their hard work and commitment, and a real credit to their families and the academy staff who support their development every day.

“After such a positive Academy league campaign, this is a great opportunity for the players to test themselves at the next level and gain valuable experience. Knowing the characters and quality within the group, I’m confident they’ll embrace the challenge and make a strong contribution to the squad.”

Exeter College’s head of rugby & apprentice tutor Jon Hill said: “As a college, we are absolutely delighted to have had four of our players selected into the England U8s squad.

“When you look at the make-up of the squad and consider that the next nearest contribution from a school or college is two, it is pretty symbolic of the season we have had as a college and is reflective of the fantastic efforts of the players, and the brilliant culture that the coaching staff have been able to create and develop from the start of the preseason period.

“There are other players who have also been identified in discussions, and we have just had two of our players represent the England Divisional U18s having gone through the county pathway.

“With the AOC Premier League Final next week and our trip to Japan to take part in the World Youth U18s Championship at the end of April, it is a special time to be involved in the Exeter College and Exeter Chiefs Academy.”

England U18s men’s head coach Jonathan Pendlebury said: “This weekend offers a fantastic opportunity for these young players to explore their game in front of a capacity crowd in Chinnor. We’re thankful to our hosts for putting on a brilliant occasion, in what is our first home game in three years.

“As a pathway group, this part of the season is all about development in adapting to new challenges and building the habits that will serve us well as we prepare for the Six Nations.

“Most importantly, we want the players to enjoy the occasion, continue to support each other and show the growth they've made together as a team.”

A squad of player will be selected next week ahead of the U18s Six Nations Festival in Vichy, France where England will play Ireland, Georgia and Italy.

England U18s v France U18s

15 Oli Hewitt (Gloucester Rugby, Bromsgrove School, uncapped)

14 Junior Denny (Gloucester Rugby, Bloxham School, 5 caps)

13 Charlie Bosanko (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College, uncapped) (far left below)

12 Declan Treacey (c) (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff School, 7 caps)

11 Caspar Reeves (Bristol Bears, Taunton School, uncapped)

10 Zac Jones (Saracens, Mill Hill, uncapped)

9 Will Bayston (Sale Sharks, Sedbergh School, 2 caps)

1 Aiden Reid (Northampton Saints, Northampton School for Boys, 3 caps)

2 Casper Wheeler (Bristol Bears, Hartpury College, 2 caps)

3 Ben Smith (Yorkshire Academy, Wath Academy, uncapped)

4 Fin Charles (Leicester Tigers, Denstone College, uncapped)