JAMES Percival will be bidding to help England U-21s build on their Six Nations success at the IRB World Championships next month.

The Kidderminster lock, who plays for Premiership new boys Worcester, has been selected in the 26-man squad who head to Scotland on Wednesday, June 9.

Along with his team-mates, including uncapped fellow Worcester man Mark Hopley, Percival will train at Newbury next week.

Hopley, a back-row forward, played for England U-19s in last year's World Championships.

Added good news for the Worcester players also emerged this week when the RFU finally confirmed the club's promotion.

Coach Jon Callard said: "Many of the players were involved in last year's tournament and they built on that experience during the recent Six Nations, gaining confidence and a platform for a good performance in June.

"There's been a great deal of competition in some positions and we've had to make some difficult selection decisions."

Manager Peter Drewett said "Every squad member is capable of playing to the high standard that will be necessary if we are to compete in such an intense tournament environment."