A trio of players from Wath Brow Hornets have flown out to Australia this week to represent England in the Commonwealth 9s Championships.

Cole Walker-Taylor is vice captain of the side who will begin their campaign on February 23.

The 15-man squad also includes Gregory Howland and Callum Farrer, of the Hornets.

The squad is made up of under-23 players from across the community game and they flew out to Moreton Bay, Brisbane, on Sunday.

England will take on Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea in the group stages on Friday, before the fight for bronze, silver and gold medals begins on Saturday.

The 2021 Rugby League World Cup is backing the England squad ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Championship 9s, which kicks off on February 23.

RLWC2021 CEO Jon Dutton said: "We are delighted to be supporting the England team for their Commonwealth 9s campaign.

"The players and staff have been carefully selected for the tournament and I'm sure they will all do their country proud.

"International Rugby League is the pinnacle of the sport and I'm looking forward seeing the England team showcase their skills on the biggest stage.

"We are keen to support international development opportunities as part of our legacy, and supporting the England team for the Commonwealth 9s is the perfect opportunity to start inspiring Rugby League players of all ages ahead of 2021."