Wharfedale skipper Baldwin to lead England Counties on East African tour (From Craven Herald)

Wharfedale skipper Baldwin to lead England Counties on East African tour

10:45am Thursday 24th May 2012 in Wharfedale

Wharfedale No 8 Rob Baldwin has been named as England Counties captain for their three-match tour to Uganda and Kenya next month.

His clubmate, scrum half Phil Woodhead, is one of six players on stand-by.

A 26-man squad has been named, including 11 debut- ants, with 11 counties and 15 clubs represented.

Baldwin has already led the side to a 34-16 victory over the Counties’ Irish counterparts, the Ulster Bank International Team, in March.

The squad assembles on June 1, and the 17-day tour incorporates the largest tour outreach programme ever undertaken.

Working with the Tag Rugby Trust, the squad and management will carry out frequent coaching sessions and visits, aiming to raise the profile of rugby and leave a lasting legacy for the host unions.

The squad plays both Uganda and a combined East Africa side in Kampala before taking on the challenge of an East Africa Invitation XV in Nairobi.