A former Harpenden Rugby Club man’s England debut ended in disappointment with a 24-6 defeat to Scotland.

Herts Advertiser: England U20 elite player George Perkins. Picture: ANDY TAYLOR/ATSPORTPHOTOEngland U20 elite player George Perkins. Picture: ANDY TAYLOR/ATSPORTPHOTO (Image: © Andy Taylor 2015)

Jack Singleton, who now plays for Worcester Warriors, came off the bench as England made a stuttering start to the defence of their U20 Six Nations Championship.

The former Aldwickbury, St George’s and Oaklands College student tweeted: “Massive honour to make my debut for @EnglandRugby 20s, gutted about the result but credit to Scotland. Thank you for all the support.”

George Perkins, another Oaklands graduate, started on the wing but Billy Walker, a third ex-Oaklands member of the squad, and Old Albanian’s Max Malins missed out.

Scotland led 12-6 at the break with tries from full-back Blair Kinghorn and Murray McCallum.

Herts Advertiser: England U20 elite player Billy Walker. Picture: ANDY TAYLOR/ATSPORTPHOTOEngland U20 elite player Billy Walker. Picture: ANDY TAYLOR/ATSPORTPHOTO (Image: © Andy Taylor 2015)

Joe Simmonds kicked two penalties for England before the hosts scored two further tries from Scott Cummings and Matt Smith.

It was a first ever victory over England for Scotland’s U20 side who had failed to win in 11 previous attempts.

Head coach Jon Callard said: “Scotland were hungry and credit to them for the way they played - they were committed and forced errors.

“I’ve got great belief in this young group of players.

Herts Advertiser: England U20 elite player Max Malins. Picture: ANDY TAYLOR/ATSPORTPHOTOEngland U20 elite player Max Malins. Picture: ANDY TAYLOR/ATSPORTPHOTO (Image: © Andy Taylor 2015)

“We need to dust ourselves off, regroup and move forwards into the rest of the Championship.”

The team are next in action this Friday against Italy in San Dona di Piave.