Birthday celebrations were the order of the day at the recent England A games at Franklin’s Gardens. Russell White who was celebrating his 12th birthday at the 78-6 victory over Scotland A and plays loose-head prop for Banbury Bulls ran out with captain Kyran Bracken before the kick off.

Russell has Asperger’s syndrome and dyspraxia. Said his dad, Chris, “Three years ago Russell couldn’t catch a ball, now he plays rugby every week and it has made a huge difference to his whole life.”

Twins Philip and Edward Nichols, also celebrating their 12th birthdays, who play scrum half and prop for Harbury, ran on as mascots with captain Dorian West at the Italy match.