ENGLAND under 20s boss Steve Bates has urged centre Ollie Lawrence to be a “sponge” when he mixes it with established internationals this week.

The Worcester Warriors youngster will join up with Eddie Jones’ senior side in Brighton today after being named in a 31-man training squad.

It was a shock call-up for the 18-year-old who has made only three first-team appearances and has not played in the Aviva Premiership.

He is now in the running to play in England’s non-cap clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham a week on Sunday.

As well as training alongside his Warriors team-mates Jack Singleton, Nick Schonert and Ben Te’o, Lawrence will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Ben Youngs who have won more than 200 caps between them.

Bates described Lawrence as a “tremendous talent” but insisted it was important he got as much out of the camp as possible as Jones’ men prepare for next month’s tour to South Africa.

“What he needs to do is listen and just soak up all the experience,” Bates said.

“He needs to get involved as much as he can and be a bit of a sponge.

“He has got a long career ahead of him.

“If he doesn’t get selected for the Barbarians game he is still a young man.

“He is a very good prospect with loads of potential.”

Lawrence will also be hoping to represent his country in the World Rugby U20 Championship in France later this month.

The ex-Bromsgrove School student started in midfield before moving out to the wing in England’s 26-12 defeat to Junior Springboks at Sixways last Friday.

Bates who is known for discovering England’s World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson when he was in charge at Newcastle Falcons praised Lawrence’s burgeoning ability.

“He is a tremendous talent,” Bates said.

“I think we have seen from his performances in the A-League here what a threat he is to defences.

“In the first half (last Friday) we probably did not win enough ball for him to get on the front foot so we have got to be careful not to judge people on this performance.

“But he’s very much in the mix (for the world championship).”

Birmingham-born Lawrence joined Warriors at under 15 level and has been in the youth ranks at Worcester Rugby Club.

He marked his senior debut with a try and an assist when he came off the bench in Warriors’ win over Sale Sharks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November.

James Scott who also played for England under 20s on Friday night and is part of Worcester’s academy said Lawrence was among a number of young prospects at the club.

“It’s quite an achievement for Ollie,” said Scott on Lawrence’s inclusion in England’s training squad.

“He’s only just finished school so that’s brilliant for him.

“We have got a good bunch of guys coming through here.

“We are all sticking together and will hopefully capitalise on opportunities in the A-League.”