A FORMER Hereford rugby player has become the youngest player in history to start for Bristol Bears in a Premiership fixture.

Joe Jenkins, aged 19, played at centre for Bristol against Saracens in the top-tier of English rugby at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

Jenkins, who cut his rugby teeth at junior level with Hereford RFC at Wyeside, wore the number 13 jersey and played for 39 minutes in Bristol's 25-10 home defeat.

The former Madley Primary School pupil made his debut for Bristol earlier this year in a pre-season game against the Dragons at Rodney Parade in Newport.

He then followed this up with a fine performance for Bears in the Premiership Cup against Exeter Chiefs.

“I didn’t know it was going to happen,” said Jenkins talking to the Bristol Bears website.

“I was sat there in shock and then everybody congratulated me. It was a nice feeling.

“Some of the older boys helped me with which lines to run, different moves and where to go which eased me into it.

“All my family and friends came down and it was really good to run out in front of 20,000 there.

“I want to keep getting a few more appearances this year and build on them and try and improve on every time I play.

“I want to get on the ball more and try and put in good defensive performances and kick on from there.”

Jenkins was last season's 1st XV vice-captain at Monmouth School for Boys.

Mr Paul Morris, master in charge of rugby coaching at the school said: “It was fantastic for Joe to make his first start for Bristol in the Premiership.

“To make things even more special, Joe created club history in the process.

"The biggest compliment I could pay Joe is that he looks very much at home in this top-class environment.”