What an honour! Brighton Blues flanker Jack Thomas will run out as Captain of England this evening as the Counties U20s confirmed the team that will take on Russia at Slava Stadium in Moscow. (Kick off 5.00pm BST).
The team arrived in Moscow earlier this week giving them several days to train in preparation for the first match of their summer tour.
The two teams will meet once again on Wednesday, 8 June.
The team will be led by lead coach Richie Williams (Amersham & Chiltern RFC) and his assistant Paul Arnold (Flyde RFC).
"We know the side will be tested by a strong Russia U20 team but we're excited by the challenge and believe we can go there and win," said team manager Peter Vernon of the tour.
While in Russia the team will also be carrying out outreach work as part of the World Rugby Unity Project programme in partnership Berkshire & Middlesex RFU.
TEAM TO FACE RUSSIA
1. Tommy Phillips Vice Captain)
2. Will Scholey
3. Karl Garside
4. Dale Lemon
5. James Apperley
6. Jack Thomas (Captain)
7. Dan Broady
8. Adam Brankley
9. Ben Pointon
10. Lewis Dennett
11. Alex Goble
12. Ellis Rudder
13. Connor Wilkinson
14. James Neal
15. Charlie Venables
Replacements:
16. Ziana Alexis - Montout
17. Alex Post
18. Hayden King
19. Max Berry
20. Kemp Price
21 Jack Harrison
22.Tim Bitirim
23.Harry Sayers