THE captain of Stockton Sixth Form College rugby team has been selected for the British Colleges under-19 rugby squad.

Jonathan Austin, 18, was among 125 players from across the country who took part in trials in Gloucester - and he was one of only 25 to be selected.

Julie Ward, head of sports studies at the college, said: "We are extremely proud of Jonathan, who will not only be flying the flag for this area, but for the whole of the country.

"We have had a phenomenal year in terms of sports success, and Jonathan's acceptance is the icing on the cake. We have a lot to look forward to in the next few months.

"In April, more than 40 students from the college's boys hockey team, the girls netball team, boys seven-a-side rugby, badminton boys singles and girls double and singles table tennis, will be competing with students from all over the country at the British Colleges under-19 finals, in Swansea."

Jonathan is in his final year at Stockton Sixth Form, where he is studying for a Sports Btec National Diploma, and is hoping to go on to university.

He said he was very excited at the prospect of playing for the British Colleges team.

He said: "When I got the news that I had been selected I was over the moon. It will be a fantastic opportunity."

It is hoped that Jonathan will make his debut later this month when the British College side competes against Wales.