A YOUNGSTER who plays at Woodford Rugby Club has also been taking to the field for England.

Seventeen-year-old student Michael Ayrton has played for England Colleges against Scotland Univer-sities, the Boys Club of Wales and Ireland’s Munster U20 team.

A victory against the Welsh sandwiched two defeats, but the full-back did manage to score a try against the Irish, and the experience has whetted his appetite for more.

“It has been quite a big step up as the players are generally older and bigger,” he said. “But it’s been really good and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.

“Everyone gets on well and you meet players from all over the country.”

Chigwell resident Mic-hael’s progress into the country’s college side has come while he studies for a BTEC in sports science, which he hopes will help him secure a job that lets him pursue his passion for rugby.

At college in St Albans he can divide his time equally between rugby training and his studies, as he follows his dream of one day making it in the professional game.

“It’s a great mix,” he reflected. “We train in the morning and have lessons in the afternoon.” Matt Davies coaches the first team at Woodford and is also one of the coaches at the famous Saracens rugby club, so there are few better to examine the youngster’s credentials.

Michael is on an apprenticeship programme with Saracens, and having seen plenty of him in action, Davies was full of praise.

“He’s a talented young lad with great speed and good foot work. He’s always looking to learn and has come on leaps and bounds in the past few months.

“He deserves his opportunity to represent his country at this level. He’s great to have around the place and is well liked down at Woodford.”

The chance to pull on an England jersey came after trials late last year, when Michael impressed judges in the Essex division.

Proud father Robert said: “Mike’s done well to play for England Colleges. It’s a highlight of his rugby playing career.”