Kiba named in England Counties squad again

Richards made his debut for England Counties in the 16-15 at France Federale last month and has kept his place in the squad as England have made five changes for the Ireland game, which is at Darlington Mowden Park.

Wharfedale number eight Rob Baldwin returns to the squad having missed the narrow defeat by France Federale in Nevers two weeks ago through suspension after he accumulated three yellow cards for foul play this season.

Baldwin has now completed his one-week suspension but Fylde fly-half Chris Johnson, who replaced him as captain in France, will lead the side again at Darlington.

Stourbridge prop Mark George, Old Albanian back row forward Ollie Cooper-Millar, Stourbridge prop Mark George and Fylde prop Adam Lewis have been added to the forwards.

Old Albanian scrum-half Stefan Liebenberg has recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the France defeat and he returns in the backs.

Millar-Cooper and Lewis are in line to make their England Counties debuts but Baldwin, George and Liebenberg all have previous experience with the side, the representative flagship of the community game in England. George started for England Counties in all three of their internationals last season but was unavailable for the France match.

There is plenty of north east interest in the England Counties squad with Darlington Mowden Park lock Pierce Phillips and centre Cameron Mitchell set to represent their country at their home ground and Blaydon trio Robbie Kalbriaer, Gavin Jones and Chris Wearmouth also in the 23.

Ticket prices for the match are £5 for adults if pre-booked or £7 on the day. Under 16s are free. Tickets can be booked by calling 01325 350267.

Full squad - backs: Jack Adams (Cinderford), Richard Bolt (Exmouth), Chris Briers (Fylde), Chris Johnson (Fylde – captain), Stefan Liebenberg (Old Albanian), Cameron Mitchell (Darlington Mowden Park), Luke Myring (Coventry), Kiba Richards (Worthing), Sean Taylor (Preston Grasshoppers), Jim Wigglesworth (Cambridge).

Forwards: Rob Baldwin (Wharfedale), Ollie Cooper-Millar (Old Albanians), Jamal Ford-Robinson (Cambridge), Mark George (Stourbridge), Ben Hilton (Launceston), Gavin Jones (Blaydon), Robbie Kalbriaer (Blaydon), Adam Lewis (Fylde), Johnny Matthews (Sedgley Park), Brett McNamee (Old Albanian), Pierce Phillips (Darlington Mowden Park), Tom Stradwick (Blackheath), Chris Wearmouth (Blaydon).