James will be King for day

A Shropshire college student will make his Wales under-18 debut against England at Worcester Rugby Club tomorrow.

Second row forward James King, from Ellesmere College, has been part of the North Wales elite programme for the past two years.

He has impressed in recent performances for Crawshays, and also plays for Mold.

His fellow academy and Ellesmere College second row Joel Galley missed out on selection because of a hamstring injury.

But he is part of the Wales under-18s final squad of 26 and is expected to play for the National team once fully fit.

But he is part of the Wales under-18s final squad of 26 and is expected to play for the National team once fully fit.

Marc Roberts, the Gogledd Cymru Rugby Development Officer who is currently attached to the under-18s coaching group, said: "Both boys have responded well to the challenges and demands that this high level environment imposes.

"Both boys have masses of potential, with Joel standing at 6ft 7ins and James at 6ft 5ins, and have impressed with their skill and commitment to succeed."

Unusually, tomorrow's game will see a third North Walian take the field - but in English colours.

Hooker Dave Blackwell, who hails from the Wrexham area, was also identified in the North Wales elite programme and was offered a place in both the Welsh and English squads.

But the Welsh speaker opted to follow in the footsteps of another Wrexham-born hooker - former Leicester Tigers and England ace Dorian West - and has chosen to play for England.