International call-up for Kineton High’s Backhouse

Kineton High School student Douglas Backhouse has been selected to represent England under-18s on their tour of France after coming through a three-day trial in Loughborough.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Mar 2014, 12:24 BST

The 6ft 4in Banbury RFC second-rower progressed to the final 24 from an initial pool of 80.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said the 18-year-old. “It is an amazing feeling to be asked to represent my country.”

The tour will begin at Easter, with England playing matches against their counterparts from France and Ireland.

Backhouse is relishing the chance of pulling on the famous white shirt for his debut, adding: “I am massively motivated and I can’t wait for my chance to pull on the top for the first time.

“I want to take my rugby career as far as I can and try and make it to full international level.”