Worcester Warriors lock Sam McDonald is relishing the chance to turn out for England in the IRB Under 19 World Championship.

McDonald, along with Worcester team-mates Matthew Mullan and Chris Pennell, are in Dubai after being selected by national academy coaches Nigel Redman and Damian McGrath.

"Being selected for the World Championship is a huge honour and I am so excited to be representing my country and competing against the best in the world at my age level," said McDonald.

"We are all looking forward to playing on a world stage and to be there with two of my Worcester team-mates is fantastic. We can't wait to get started."

Redman added: "We are all eager to get out there and get started. The U19 and U21 world tournaments are a precursor for what is to come and there are some terrific players taking part.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the Worcester lads to judge themselves on a world stage and to play the World Champions in the third game is a bonus."

meanwhile, Worcester Warriors pair George Thomas and Matthew Cox both turned in impressive displays for England's Under 18 Home Unions Tournament team in a 22-15 defeat by Loughborough Freshers.

Hooker Thomas (Bromsgrove School and Luctonians) started the game having been declared fit following the shoulder injury he sustained in the victory over Scotland Under 18 'A' the previous week.

He helped England build up a 10-0 interval lead with tries from winger David Smith and fly-half Mark Davies.

Flanker Cox won the line-out that led to England's third try early in the second-half from number eight Edward Jackson.

Four tries from a strong Loughborough side, the second of them converted, gave the students victory.

England will train at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire in two weeks time before they take on Ireland in their opening game of the Home Unions tournament, which will be held at Cheltenham on April 15.