ENGLAND Under 18s opened their international rugby season with an impressive 25-15 win over Wales at Worcester's Sixways Stadium.

The young guns, whose next international game is in the Six Nations Festival in Cork later this month, ran in three tries to edge out a determined Welsh outfit.

England Coach Alex Sanderson, brother of Warriors' captain Pat, said: "This was an exciting game of rugby. I am really happy for the boys who showed great composure in a tough atmosphere and who are clearly improving all the time.

"Wales showed a lot of tenacity, but the boys overcame everything they threw at us and now we can't wait for the Six Nations Festival."

England captain Joe Marler ad-ded: "After our defeat to Wales in the Six Nations Festival a year ago, this result has made up for it."