RISING rugby star Alex Day faces a crucial year for club and country, as the 19-year-old prepares to pen the next chapter of his burgeoning career.

The former St Joseph’s College pupil has been selected for England’s Elite Player Squad at under-20s level and is hoping to add to the three caps he earned in last winter’s under-20 Six Nations tournament, before next year’s IRB Junior World Championship.

Northampton Saints youngster Day is also hoping to impress at domestic level too, as he attempts to earn a full-time professional contract at the Franklin’s Garden-based Aviva Premiership club.

The Harwich-born scrum half is currently in the last year of his academy deal with Northampton but hopes to be given the chance to impress the club’s management in the LV Cup, in November, against Harlequins and Newport Gwent Dragons.

“I am hoping to get some LV Cup games under my belt,” said Day, whose team have won their first two league games of the season in the Premiership

“I want to try and push for that and make a name for myself although it will be tough to break into a side playing so well.

“The aim is to earn a senior deal but that all depends on how I play.”

Day made three appearances as a replacement as England retained their under-20s Six-Nations crown earlier this year but the former Colchester RFC youngster is hopes to make a bigger impact next time.

“I’m delighted to be able to follow on from the progress I made last year, it’s always tough to stay in the mix with new players coming in,” said Day.

“It was a really good learning experience, especially as I was only 18.

“It was more of a professional atmosphere as I was working with players that were at full-time clubs, the standard of training was very high and it helped me develop.

“It is a big year for me but I am not thinking too far ahead.

“I am in the England set-up again and the opportunity is mine to lose I suppose.”