Animal welfare assistants Jessica Down and Katrina Brunt with the pups

ADORABLE orphaned puppies have been named after England rugby heroes.

The 10 boxer crosses were brought into The Blue Cross, in Kimpton, on February 9. They have been named Johnno, Tindall, Ashton, Flood, Wilko, Foden, Easter, Sheridan, Hartley and Haskell.

Emma Pannell, deputy manager of The Blue Cross adoption centre in Kimpton, said: “At just six weeks old, these pups are such little bruisers that it seemed perfect to name them after rugby players. They eat all the time and love to pass a ball around or pile into a scrum.

“The puppies have had a difficult start in life, but after England’s Six Nations victory against Italy we’re hoping some of their success will rub off on these little ones.”

Five of the pups – Johnno, Tindal, Ashton, Flood and Wilko – are staying at The Blue Cross in Kimpton and have already found new homes.

The other five have gone to the charity’s centre in Lewknor, Oxfordshire, where it is hoped they will soon find loving owners.