England wants you, Graham Kitchener

Shropshire rugby ace Graham Kitchener has been forced to postpone his summer holiday plans - after receiving a call-up to England's second team.

Lock Kitchener, who plays for Worcester Warriors, has been named in the England Saxons squad heading to America to play in the Churchill Cup next month.

The 20-year-old from Baschurch, who attended Adams Grammar School in Newport, is currently combining his playing duties with a full-time degree at Birmingham University.

"I'm delighted with the call-up," he said. "It came as a little bit of a surprise, but I can't wait to go and play for the Saxons.

Cancel

"I've never been to America before. I planned to go next summer but this means it all happens a year early now. I actually quite like American football and I think we play at some of those stadiums.

"The only problem is I will have to cancel two holidays this summer - but on and off the field this will be really good for me."

It will be the second successive summer Kitchener has been on international duty after spending the off-season in 2009 as part of the England squad at the IRB Junior World Championships in Japan.