Harry Ledger, a back-row forward with Whitgift School Sutton & Epsom RFC and Harlequins' elite player development group, has been named the captain of the England U16s.

Ledger will lead the side in the annual Four Nations Tournament in Italy from April 3-10.

"The England U16 coaches have been considering their choice over a period of time and Harry has got the nod for his personal qualities and the way he leads by example on the field," said lead coach Phil Stanlake.

"He turns 16 this month and a measure of his quality is he has been playing in the Whitgift School first XV, which has reached the final of the Daily Mail RBS U18 Cup."

Ledger played at number eight in England U16s' practice match against a Combined Academies U17 side last weekend but has the ability to slot in across the back row.

If selected by Whitgift for their schools cup final against RGS Newcastle, Ledger will be playing at Twickenham Stadium in the Daily Mail RBS U18 Cup on March 31, and flying with the England U16 squad to Rome the following day.

England U16 fixtures, Four Nations Tournament 2010, Rome, Italy (kick-offs local time):

Sunday April 3, Stadio Unione Rugby Capitolina: Italy v France (2pm) Wales v England (4pm)

Tuesday April 6, Campo Acqua Acetosa Giulio Onesti: Italy v Wales (2pm) England v France (4pm)

Sunday April 10, Stadio Flaminio: Wales v France (2.30pm) Italy v England (4.30pm)