TOMMY Bell will be looking to help England Under 18s rugby team maintain its remarkable winning run and enhance his own reputation as one of the best young players around.

The Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupil has been named in a 25-man squad for a four team tournament in South Africa next week. The 17-year-old is part of an age group that has recorded 18 successive wins.

But Bell, who also plays for Sale Sharks, believes England have a tough test as they prepare to play South Africa, France and Namibia.

He said: “We beat France 36-16 earlier in the season so hopefully we can repeat that. But South Africa will be a tough test as they are always a strong team.”

The inside centre has featured in most of England’s games this season - the most memorable scoring a last-gasp try to beat Australia.

“That was awesome,” said Bell. “To score the winning try is definitely the highlight for me.”

Now he is hoping to break in to the Sale Sharks first team.

“That has to be an aim but there are some great players. It is just a case of working hard and earning the respect of the players and coaches.”