A COUNTY Durham school's rugby success is going from strength to strength with another pupil being selected to play for England.

Ross Batty, of Barnard Castle School, has been chosen for the England Schools under-18 rugby squad as a loose head prop.

Rugby master Martin Pepper said: "Ross, who played for the England Schools under-16 squad last year, is a full year younger than most of his team-mates, so this is a wonderful achievement."

The team's first international match is against Scotland on Sunday, March 28. Ross then moves on to an international tournament in Italy.

He said: "I am very proud to be representing my country and to be following in the tradition of Barney internationals."

Ross and his school team-mates have also reached the semi-finals of the Daily Mail Cup, taking on Campion School, Hornchurch, at Castlecroft tomorrow. Last year the under-18s were pipped at the post in the final of the competition at Twickenham, going down 30-28 to Oakham School, from Leicestershire.

The school currently fields 12 teams ranging in age from 11 to 18. Rugby has never been so popular with youngsters hoping to follow in the footsteps of old pupils such as ex-England stars Rob Andrew and the Underwood brothers, Rory and Tony.

Wolsingham schoolboy Mathew Tait, 18, was also selected to play for England and is being tipped by his teachers to be the next Jonny Wilkinson.