Rugby ace relishes England chance

Shropshire rugby ace Adam Smallwood is in confident mood ahead of his debut for England's deaf side against Wales on Sunday.

The Bridgnorth scrum-half will make his first appearance for the national side as vice-captain after passing a series of gruelling regional and national trials.

But his England debut - which will come at Broadstreet RFC near Coventry - could not be tougher, with Wales being the current deaf World Champions.

For Smallwood, 35, however, the clash is a chance for England to prove themselves against the world's top side.He said: "We are playing Wales, who are the world champions at the moment. They have not been beaten since 2004, I believe.

"They are a very good side - but this season, we have been the most prepared for some time, so we are going for it," he added.

The squad is drawn from clubs across the country, with players having a certified hearing impairment the equivalent of being fully deaf in one ear. Smallwood is one of six new inclusions in Sunday's side, and he is hoping for a bright future with England.

He added: "There is another fixture against Scotland in March and that is it for internationals this season, but there will hopefully be a World Cup next year in Wales."