TWO of Oxfordshire’s rising stars are hoping to shine for England Counties Under 18s in Ireland this week.

Back row forward Sam Miller, who will captain the side, and hooker Will Routledge, have been selected to play in the Tri-Nations Tournament in Dublin.

England opened their bid with a 14-8 defeat against France U18 Poles Espoirs in Dublin yesterday.

On Saturday, they take on Ireland U18 Clubs.

Speaking before the first game, Miller, from Warborough, near Wallingford, said he was honoured to be named as skipper.

“When my coach told me I would be captain I was lost for words, I didn’t know what to say or think,” said the Harrow School pupil, who started at blind-side flanker against France.

“It felt incredible to be recognised as a leader in such a strong squad.

“I also really felt the pressure of the captaincy, suddenly I had to lead by example and there wasn’t any sympathy for mistakes.”

Routledge, from Witney, was among the replacements for the first game and his England selection adds to what has already been a successful season for the teenager, having represented Oxfordshire and South West U18.

The Cokethorpe School pupil follows in his brother Kieran’s footsteps.

He also represented England in the Under 16 age group three years ago.

Routledge, who has captained Cokethorpe’s 1st XV for the last two seasons, started playing rugby at Witney aged five.

After completing his A-Levels this year, he plans to take a gap year and play rugby in New Zealand.