HEAD of rugby at Culford School, Dave Watkin has heaped praise on Tristan Rawcliffe after the youngster was named in the provisional 22-man squad for the England Under-16 internationals against Italy Under-17s and Wales Under-16s, writes Chris Brammer.

Rawcliffe joins St Jo’s winger Austin Beckett in the squad and will train at Abingdon School, in Oxfordshire, on March 10 and 11, playing in a match against Leicester Tigers under-17s on the second day.

“He is a super bloke and works his socks off for the squad,” said Watkin.

“Tristan does the simple things really well and does not have a weakness. He is pacy, strong and is a good decision-maker. Above all, he has a fantastic attitude.”

The Colchester player will be no doubt proud of achievement but Watkin added that, such was his modesty, Rawcliffe did not want to make a big deal out of his call-up.

“I think he wanted to keep it quiet until he pulled on the jersey,” said Watkin.

“That sort of approach is typical of him, he is not just talented, but modest too.”