FORMER Luctonians forward Alex Davidson has been included in the England Counties XV squad for the tour to Russia next month.

Davidson, now a Pertemps Bees lock in National League 1, will be making his first appearance for the Counties XV.

Davidson impressed the England Counties' selectors during North Midlands' recent County Championship Bill Beaumont Cup campaign, but was only available for last weekend's final game against Cheshire at Macclesfield because of a foot injury.

England will play three games on the tour against Krasnoyarsk on June 7, VVA Podmoskovie on June 12 and against Russia on June 16.

The Counties' squad includes players drawn from 15 different counties with 17 clubs represented.

Davidson was playing for Luctonians and Gloucester Rugby Academy when he first made his mark on the international scene with selection for Wales Under-21. His potential was recognised by being named as the Hereford Times Ted Woodriffe Award winner for 2001 as a 20-year-old.

A clubmate at Solihull-based Pertemps Bees in winger Adam Billig, another product of Herefordshire rugby.