England wait goes on for Graham Kitchener

The 25-year-old, from Baschurch, was called up to the England's training squad but not named in the final line-up for tomorrow's game against New Zealand.

But his former PE teacher at Adams' Grammar School in Newport said today the rugby star will take his chance in the national side when it comes around.

Kitchener, who attended the school from 2002 to 2008, was called up to the squad for the autumn internationals at the weekend after an injury to Joe Launchbury .

It would have been the Leicester Tigers player's first full England international cap after appearances for England Saxons.

Adams' head of PE and director of rugby, Rob Mulhern, believes the 25-year-old sportsman's time will come.

He said: "We were absolutely delighted to hear last Sunday that he had been picked (in the provisional squad). Right from the beginning we thought he had a very strong chance of representing England because he has the full repertoire of skills and ability.

"Graham went on tour with us to New Zealand in 2006 and Australia in 2008 and he proved a very important and significant member of the squad. It is about him taking his chance.

"He has had some fantastic games for Leicester Tigers – man of the match several times – and in terms of second row he is actually quite young.

"If he gets a chance we just hope he takes it and makes others struggle to get back in to the team.

"We saw the talent in him when he was at Adams. He was a very popular member of the side, and incredibly committed to the school's rugby team, as evidenced by the fact he went on two overseas tours. The great thing is that he remained humble throughout."

Mr Mulhern said Kitchener had often returned to the Newport school to watch his younger brother Andrew – who left last year – play for the school's team.

"He really supports the school," he said, adding: "We were all delighted with the England news.

"And with social media being what it is everyone knew, and all staff who are linked with rugby and the boys were aware, and we were delighted he is on their radar."

Mr Mulhern said: "I think England would be a stronger team if he was to make the 2015 World Cup squad. His tackle rate is excellent and his ability to manage the line out ball is outstanding."

Kitchener, who began his professional rugby career with Worcester Warriors, is now moving up England's second row queue.

The 6ft 7ins second row, made his 50th starting appearance for Leicester Tigers in the European Rugby Champions Cup win over Ulster a fortnight ago, in which he scored his first try of the season.

The rugby ace has also captained an England XV against the Barbarians last year in a game at Twickenham.