LUDLOW'S Lark Davies has been selected to play rugby for the Midlands on Sunday as part of a senior women's academy programme.

The former Ludlow College student, has been chosen as hooker in the match against the North at Birmingham Exiles' Elmdon headquarters.

Davies, who is one of two Worcester players in the squad, is an England under-20 international and starred for the team in their 28-0 defeat against France in February.

She made her international debut last July against Canada in the Nations Cup.

Davies replaced fellow Worcester player Lucy Aylesbury in the match that Canada won 43-15.

Her first startt came later in the tournament, when she inspired England under-20's to comfortable 27-3 win against South Africa.

The new academy programme that Davies will be part of on Sunday replaces the old senior divisional programme and is crucial in developing talent at all levels of women's rugby.

It is played across four divisions - North, Midlands, London and South East and South West - and provides a challenging, high-quality performance environment.

The midlands recently beat London and South East 32-27 and drew 17-17 against the South West.