RISING rugby union star Andrew Springgay earned the distinction of representing his country this week, writes Lorne Hayhurst.

Second rower Springgay, 17, a pupil at St Peter's School, York played for England 'A' Under-18 schools in a 9-3 defeat against the unbeaten touring Australian school team at Worcester.

Springgay's international honour comes after an impressive progression through Yorkshire Schools trials which then saw him play for Yorkshire against Durham, Northumberland, Lancashire, and Cheshire last October and November.

He then went for England North trials and was selected to play against the Midlands at the end of December. His performance earned him a place in the England North team that played the touring Australian Schools team at Macclesfield earlier this month, which the Aussies won 21-13.

Again Springgay caught the selectors' eye and he was picked for the England 'A' match against the Australians.

The next target for Springgay is the full England Schools U18 team, and a trial match next month when he represents England North against London and the South East will determine whether he makes the final trial for the England team to play in the Five Nations Cup in March/April.

Springgay, who is currently studying for A-Levels, is due to take up a tutor's position at Selbourne College, in South Africa, for a 'gap year' before going to university.

Meanwhile, York RUFC Colts player Stuart Davies has been selected to attend a North Youth U18 Clubs development and training day in Huddersfield tomorrow.

From this a final squad of 25 players will be chosen for a divisional festival next month.

Davies has been playing for Yorkshire U18 Colts even though he has only recently turned 17.

He is the leading scorer for York Colts so far this season with 39 points in 11 games.

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