SAM Bedlow is facing up to the biggest couple of weeks in his fledgling rugby career.

The talented 18-year-old is part of the North of England squad that take on the Midlands on Saturday then face London/South East next month.

The aim will be to impress selectors and win a place in the England U18s Clubs and Schools side for their clash with Ireland in March.

And Bedlow knows that if he can repeat the performances that has already caught the eye of selectors, he could well be in the England squad.

On top of his England ambitions, the Rossendale teenager is also playing for a contract at Sale Sharks. Bedlow is a part of the Sale Academy and finds out next month if he has earned a professional contract.

“It is a big few weeks for me,” said Bedlow who is a student at Myerscough College. “I’m hoping I can do well enough in the North of England games to get selected for England.”

Bedlow, who can play centre or wing, has come up through the ranks at Rossendale RUFC and was a part of last season’s triple-winning Colts side.

He has been a part of the Sale Academy for the past 18 months and has played a number of times for the Sale Jets.

Bedlow turned in a man-of-the-match performance for the Academy side against Newcastle Falcons and has also produced some eye-catching displays for the Jets which have impressed watching selectors.

“I’ve been lucky enough that some of the selectors have been watching the games,” added Bedlow. “I got selected for Lancashire and played in the games against Cumbria and Yorkshire and then atttended trials for the North of England squad at West Park in Leeds.”