Royal Hospital School student makes South Africa tour squad

Charlie Cotterill has made the National Lambs squad for their tour over the summer.

Approximately 80 hopefuls tried out for the squad, with just 25 being selected.

Charlie, who attends Royal Hospital School in Holbrook near Ipswich, started playing rugby when he was just six years old. 

He has been a part of the rugby A team since he joined the school in year seven, playing for the first team for the last two seasons.

Charlie Cotterill will represent England at the tour (Image: Adia PR)

He made his debut for the Lambs National team on February 24, playing in a doubleheader against Irish Exiles and Ealing Trailfinders Academy.

Charlie said: "The thing I enjoy most about rugby is working hard for my tam and knowing they will do the same for me.

"My future career and sporting aspirations are to try to maintain a high standard of rugby at university and to progress to playing at a high level.

"I also aspire to eventually play for a club."

The RHS student trains every day, through training at school and club rugby sessions.

Charlie with his coaches at RHS, Barty Hills (left) and Nick Platt (right) (Image: Adia PR)

Mr Nick Platt, director of sports at RHS, said: "We are delighted to see Charlie gain selection for the Lambs.

"His hard work on and off the rugby pitch has seen him evolve into a very effective rugby player and it is great that he has been recognised in this way.

"I am sure his style will suit the Lambs and he will enjoy his time representing them, and our country, in South Africa."

Mr Barty Hills, head of rugby, added: "It is brilliant to see Charlie get selected for the Lambs.

"It is a great achievement, and we are all very proud.

"In my short time of being at RHS, I have seen all the hard work that Charlie has been putting in and have seen him improve throughout the school season.

"It is a fantastic opportunity where Charlie will get to play at a very high level of rugby and make memories that last a lifetime."