TWO young rugby players from St Ambrose College have won England caps in a sensational season at the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School.

For the second successive season gritty, terrier scrum-half Tom Walsh has made the national team, while joining him at under-16 level is the tough outside centre Connor Doherty.

Both young men featured in the England's narrow but exciting 23-22 defeat to the Welsh last month and are set to figure throughout the home nations series this Spring.

The talented twosome are both on Sale Sharks' books and play for their under-18 side and have their sights set on professional and hopefully international careers.

Tom, aged 16, from Heaton Chapel, said: “It's fantastic to play alongside one of your great mates. Connor and I have been playing for St Ambrose since the first year and it's incredible we have both made it into the England set up.”

Connor, also aged 16, from Sale, added: “Ever since I was a young child I have dreamed of playing for England and putting on that white shirt.

"Running on to the field was an unbelievable experience. It was disappointing to lose to the Welsh but I will still never forget the feeling of wearing the red rose.”

St Ambrose College principal James Keulemans, who is a Holland rugby international, said: “It is testament to the hard work, quality and sheer enthusiasm of both staff and boys and is a magnificent achievement for the young men, their families and for St Ambrose.”

St Ambrose under-16 rugby coach, Paul Howarth who has been coaching the boys since they were aged 11, said: “It is simply an honour to work with these young men.

"You won't find any two young rugby players who work harder or want it more and they have been a joy to coach.”

St Ambrose College director of sport Nigel Handy added: “We have seven former pupils who have played professional rugby union or rugby league and we all feel that Tom and Connor will add to that tally.”