Old Albanian supplied three players for the England U20 side that defeated the Army in their first game of 2024.

Amelia MacDougall and Chloe Flanagan started at Havant while Joia Bennett was among the replacements, helping the young Red Roses to a 99-5 success.

The side also have the knowledge and coaching expertise of Harpenden's Sarah McKenna, who has been named assistant coach to LJ Lewis.

McKenna, who was also coach of OA women, said: "I’m incredibly grateful to be offered to be part of this programme, the team have been very welcoming and I’ve been so impressed with the culture and work ethic.

"LJ is a fantastic coach and working alongside her has been a pleasure.

"And with these upcoming games we have a tangible target to reach to get some positive performances, as well as results. 

“[We want] them to make a mark on this season in the best possible fashion.” 

Further games follow away to France on April 20 then at home to Wales on May 4, the match played at Bristol-based Dings Crusaders.

Albanian's senior men recorded an excellent 28-23 home win over Canterbury in National Two East.

To back up their strong tackling OA also ran in six tries in one of their strongest performances of the season.

Man of the match Ben Alexander, playing out of position in the backs, led from the front and galvanised those around him.

Canterbury were the first to score with a penalty but OAs hit back with two tries for hooker Charlie Fleckney, the first in the left corner and the second from a driving line-out.

Sam Jones converted both.

Two penalties and a converted try gave the Kent side the lead but Albanian kicked on after that.

They lead 26-16 at the break, with two tries from Haydn Barnes also securing the bonus point, and while the second half was much tighter, tries from Andrew Nurse and a late effort from Aaqil Attah, following some good scrummaging and several phases of play.

With three games to go, OAs are ninth and 14 points clear of the bottom three.

In Regional One South East, Harpenden are fourth with one game to go after a 35-17 win over Hertford at Redbourn Lane.

A penalty try on four minutes started the day perfectly and further efforts from Dominic Ashwell (two), Barnaby Merrett and Adam Wilkinson, as well as four conversions from Tom Sweeney sealed a bonus-point success.

Victory at fifth-placed Shelford on the final day will secure fourth at the very least.

In Counties Two Herts Middlesex, St Albans put some smiles on the faces of their supporters with a 22-14 win over neighbours Tabard.

Saints still need a win in their final game to stay out of the bottom two, although that is at title-chasing Ealing Trailfinders 1871 on April 6.

Tabard will move up to sixth if they beat Old Millhillians in their last match.

Verulamians currently sit second in Counties Three Herts Middlesex after a 28-21 victory at Royston.