HEREFORD'S Jack Goodwin has been selected to play for the England Counties under-18 team to play two fixtures in Dublin after impressing coaches during a national development weekend.

The Hartpury College student has had a rapid rise to the top of the sport after his talent was only spotted by his school teacher three years ago.

Weobley High School teacher George West, who initially spotted Goodwin's talent and encouraged him to take part in regional trials, went to see him in action at the selection weekend recently in Stourbridge.

The 23 player England Counties under-18 squad will next gather on April 18, at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth to prepare for two fixtures in Dublin against Ireland under-18 clubs and schools.

The first match will take place on April 24 followed by the second game on April 27.

"Every year I'm incredibly impressed by the skill level on show at our national development weekend and this year was no different," said England team manager Dave Penberthy.

"The selected players have done exceptionally well and they should all be incredibly proud of reaching this stage.

"Pulling on the white shirt at any level is a great honour and I'm sure the players are aware of that.

"We know Ireland will be very strong and so our job is to create an environment that our players can thrive in."

Three weeks after Goodwin's talent was spotted at Weobley High School he was playing his first game for the county side when selected by Worcester Warriors and subsequently asked to attend their under-15 development plan.

After joining Hereford RFC the youngster won Herefordshire Players' Player of the Season and Hereford Player of the Season in his first year.

Goodwin's talent has also earned him a scholarship at Hartpury Collage.