WORCESTER Warriors’ Ollie Lawrence started as England under 18s were beaten in their first fixture of the season 27-5 by France in Digne-les-Bains.

They trailed 17-5 at the break with Baptiste Germain contributing 12 points via a try, two conversions and a drop goal.

Malcom Bertschy also scored for the hosts with Will Simonds crossing for John Fletcher’s side midway through the half.

After the break France scored late on through Florent Vanverberghe and Nathanaël Hulleu’s breakway effort to secure the win.

Wasps wing Simmonds’ try was aided by good work from Bromsgrove School pupil Lawrence in midfield to create space out wide.

England face Scotland on March 18 at Stirling County and Wales on March 25 at Pontypridd before the Six Nations Festival in Wales.