Herts ace is ready to lead English side against Scots

Johnson, who plays lock for Old Albanians, has previous international experience with the England Counties XV and also captains his club in National League One.

“Billy is well respected by his team-mates at club and county level and he leads from the front,” said England Counties XV manager Matt Long.

“He has also been a consistent performer for his club and at county level, year in year out.

“He also captains his club and his county and has valuable experience of the England Counties environment, having been involved in previous spring internationals and summer tours.

“Billy has performed very well in his previous England Counties games, most recently on last summer’s tour to Georgia.”

Johnson, 28, previously played for Datchworth, Loughborough Students, Hertford and Bedford Blues.

He attended Simon Balle School in Hertford and Loughborough University, and now works as a civil engineer.

Also included in the England Counties squad is Hertfordshire and Old Albanians team-mate Brett McNamee.

The Scotland Club XV match is the only home fixture for the England Counties XV this season and will be followed by a trip to Perigeux to play France Federale XV on March 20 and two matches in Romania on their summer tour in early June.