A young rugby star has spoken of his delight at being called up for England U20s.

Herts Advertiser: Max Malins. Photo: DAVID BUXTONMax Malins. Photo: DAVID BUXTON (Image: David Buxton)

Max Malins was selected alongside three other players from the region, his Saracens clubmate Billy Walker, a former Oaklands College setudent, and Jack Singleton of Worcester Warriors, who went to St George’s in Harpenden and also played for Harpenden RFC.

It is a big year for the U20 squad, with the World Championships, held this year in Manchester, following the defence of their Six Nations title.

And the former Felstead schoolboy, who has been earmarked as a fly-half despite playing in a number of positions this season, is delighted with the call.

He said: “Obviously I very pleased with the selection and I am trying to push on for that first game and get in the side.

“All I can do is play my best in these games and hopefully good things will come.”

Jon Callard will lead the campaign and steps in as interim head coach after Ian Peel moved on to join the Saracens coaching team.

And he explained the squad ethos remains the same.

He said: “The mission for this group is to make other people shine.

“It is about players being individually the best they can be, making the others the best they want to be. This comes from having a strong work ethic and a team focus.

“We want to put the right processes in place to play exciting international rugby and to develop these aspiring international players for the future senior team.”

Malins is currently on loan at Old Albanian in his first taste of senior rugby and has also been involved with Sarcens Storm, his club’s A team, where he made his first start against Bath earlier this month.

And those opportunities could increase over the rest of the season.

He said: “[Saracens] want everyone to be intergrated within the squad and to play for the Storm is the best way.

“It wasn’t exactly the attacking game I wanted but it was great to play and nice to get the win.”