A YOUNG rugby player from Eltham has been selected for the U16 England elite squad.

Full-back Matthew Gallagher, 16, played in a number of regional trial games to make it through to the final 70 players trialling at the development camp at Hartpury College.

The Colfe’s GCSE student played three games for Kent U16s in October, beating Sussex and Hampshire and drawing against Surrey.

Gallagher was then selected for London and south east England to play in a 26-14 success over the Midlands before being chosen for the development camp and then for the U16 England squad.

He represented his country yesterday and scored a try in a 20-8 triumph over Gloucester Academy U17s.

The England U16 elite squad will shortly be naming a test squad to face Northampton U17s in a warm up match before taking on Italy U17s and Wales U16s at Easter.

Gallagher said: “I was really nervous before the game against Gloucester U17s but I soon settled into it.

“It’s all been a bit overwhelming but I’m getting my head around it and I’m really just enjoying this moment.

“I’ve got another warm up game against Northampton U17s and then hopefully internationals against Italy U17s and Wales U16s.”

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