Newcastle Falcons pair Ajay Edwards and Charlie Lawson have been named in England Under-18s’ training squad for this week’s development camp at Bisham Abbey.

Full-back Edwards (left of picture) plays his rugby for Durham School and Durham City RFC, with back-three player Lawson representing Gosforth Academy and Houghton RUFC.

Falcons lock Patrick Hogg (Durham School and Blaydon RFC) will also attend the camp for rehab on the knee injury he suffered on tour with England Under-18s in South Africa during the summer.

Following on from October’s meeting in Berkshire the squad reconvene this Friday for the second camp of the season, with unit skill sessions, strategy alignment and in-game preparation incorporated into the schedule.

The squad has been whittled down from 60 to 40, with assistant coach Will Parkin saying: “Last month, our focus was introducing the principle of speed to the players on and off the field.

“Our overriding attacking principle was around ‘Pulling The Trigger’ to execute space, with a focus over going ‘over, round or through’ to find it. We really pushed all players to use the camp as an opportunity to develop their catch-pass skills and decision making, regardless of the number on the back of their shirt.

“Speed is a core foundation that these players will depend on in their time in the pathway, and one that I believe is vital if we want players to be even better moving forward through their rugby careers.

“The staff and I want to use this week to gain a stronger knowledge of the players, but ultimately make sure these players are developing as rugby players before reconvening in February. The next few months are incredibly important for player development ahead of the Six Nations with a block of academy and school fixtures.

“With most players having now experienced camp life at international level, this weekend offers a fresh opportunity to learn, explore and to get better from our time together in October.”