Prop Tom has England aim

Shropshire rugby ace Tom Williams will be aiming to snatch a place in the England under-16 squad this weekend.

The Telford Hornets under-16 skipper is already in the Elite squad of 40 players and will be hoping to gain selection for the full side at a special tournament in Coventry.

The prop will be joined by Owen Farrell - son England centre Andy Farrell - as team bosses look to make final arrangements for international competitions this spring.

The full England under-16 squad will then travel to France in March to play in a tournament against France, Wales, Scotland and Italy.

The rest of the players will join the 'A' squad to play in a separate competition in Somerset.

Tom's coach at Telford, Phil Smith, said his elevation into the England squad is just reward for years of hard work: "Tom has been committed for two years - it is not an overnight thing.

"He will be in the elite 40 side along with Andy Farrell's son. This has been coming for some time."

The Abraham Darby School, Madeley, teenager started playing rugby five years ago and has represented Shropshire, North Midlands and Midlands.

Smith added that Tom's rise through the rankings has impressed everybody at the club.