Bath students Jack Kenningham and Will Partington earn call-up to England Students rugby squad for French tests
Team Bath BUCS Super Rugby players Jack Kenningham and Will Partington are celebrating today after being called up to England Students to play their French counterparts later this month.
The home fixture is on Sunday April 14 at Chester RFC, with the reverse away fixture billed for April 19 at the Stade Gilbert Santiago in Barbezieux-St Hilaire.
Fleet-footed Partington, a prolific points kicker for Team Bath, plays at full-back but has also featured on the wing with Bath Rugby Academy and is strong on the counter-attack. He recently scored two tries in their ten-try defeat of Durham in the BUCS Super Rugby quarter-finals.
Kenningham, meanwhile, plays at number six for Team Bath. The Harlequins academy player, who is studying Sports Performance at the University of Bath, has made a significant impact as a first-year student. His work rate in attack and defence has brought him many plaudits
Coach Aaron James said: “We are all pleased that Will and Jack have been recognised for their consistent performances this year. It is Will’s second year representing England Students and he knows the tough task at hand versus the French. Jack leads on and off the field and has gained high respect from his team-mates and the opposition.”
Partington said: “It’s an exciting time getting the chance to put an England kit on based on my performances across the season. I was selected as a first year last season, so I’m looking forward to adding my experience this time around with a new group of lads.”
Kenningham added: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected for England Students, particularly in my first year. I am really looking forward to the whole experience and it helps make up for the disappointment of losing the semi-final last week against Hartpury.”
Full England Students squad list:
Josh Bragman (Northumbria University), Conrad Cade (Leeds Beckett University), Chester Duff (Leeds Beckett University), James Elliot (Northumbria University), Yaree Fantini (Northumbria University), Alex Gibson (Hartpury University), Ben George (Hartpury University), Fitz Harding (Durham University), Jack Johnson (Hartpury University), Jack Kenningham (University of Bath), Corey Lewis (Cardiff Met University), Paddy McDuell (Durham University), Will Partington (University of Bath), Josh Pieterse (University of Exeter), Bailey Ransom (Newcastle University), Jack Rouse (University of Exeter), Paul Schroter (University of Exeter), Harry Seward (Cardiff Met University), Robbie Smith (Hartpury University), Christian Taylor (Manchester Met University), George Wacokecoke (Northumbria University), Elliot Ward (Leeds Beckett University), Charlie Wilson (Durham University)
