An international rugby league mission is beckoning for York Wasps utility back Callum Irving and fellow student Dan Hewitt.

The pair have been selected for the Scotland Students squad for a development tour to the South of France next month.

And if they make an impression they will earn places in the 20-strong squad for the European Championships in Kazan, Russia, in September.

The squad will leave for France on June 26, playing against club sides in the Carcasonne region before returning home on July 8.

Both players are confident about making the European Championships line-up having gained extensive experience at various levels of the game.

Cumbrian Irving, aged 20, is currently in the Wasps first team having had spells with Carlisle Border Raiders, Workington Town and St Helens Academy.

A jack of all trades who has played at full-back, centre, wing, scrum-half and loose forward, he joined York back in March but missed several games through injury before returning to the side in last week's 68-6 defeat by Dewsbury Rams.

He came to the Wasps via the York University team which he captains, and qualifies for Scotland through his Glaswegian roots.

Irving has already made several appearances for the Scottish Students, including last month's 20-16 defeat by Wales in Cardiff.

Hewitt, who studies at the College of Ripon and York St John, hails from Bradford but has family roots in Aberdeen.

He has played for Dudley Hill, Stanningley, more recently Leeds Rhinos Academy and is now playing for the York Tigers combined Universities team.

His brother, Gareth, is a professional with Sheffield Eagles so could line up against the Wasps this Sunday at Don Valley Stadium.

All members of the Scotland squad have been asked to raise money for the trip to cover travel costs.

Various forms of sponsorship are available, including adverts in the tour programme and kit sponsorship.

For further details both players can be contacted on 01904 638309.

Updated: 09:07 Thursday, May 31, 2001