Michael, who began with West Norfolk RUFC, got a place in the England U16 squad at the Millfield tournament.

He was subsequently selected to start against France, played the full game, was then rested for the game against the USA and was fortunate enough to be picked to start in the big one against Wales in the final match.

Michael, also known as Mike, celebrated his 16th birthday today, and was runner-up in the recent Lynn News sports awards.

He started playing rugby with West Norfolk U12s. When he was 13 he was asked a year early to train with Eastern Counties U15s. A year later he was selected to trial for London and the South East U16s.

After several nail-biting selection matches he was chosen for the initial England development squad and again made it through another gruelling selection process to be picked for England A at Millfield school.

While all that was going on he was attending trials for selection into an Academy!

He was fortunate enough to have some terrific support from Mr Brown and everyone else at Lynn King Edward VII High School.

He was also given some invaluable advice and encouragement from Finlay Barnham who had represented England a year earlier. Also Chris Bird, George Maule, Kim Denton and Mark Fincham at West Norfolk were very supportive.

Peter Day and Nick Greenhall created a competitive and friendly environment at Eastern Counties.

But the family cite the main reason for his success is the training and guidance he received from Nick Youngs at North Walsham.

Mike joins the Northampton Junior Academy in September, following in the footsteps of Matt Dawson, Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson.

He's hoping to be selected for England U18s over the next couple of years. Until then he'll continue to practice most evenings and weekends at West Norfolk.