A BUDDING North-East rugby star is setting his sights high after making it into the under 16 northern squad.

Joe Craggs, a year 11 student at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, is one of 46 young players from across the country to make it through to the next round of trials for the England Rugby Union under 16 team.

The youngster, who also plays for Mowden Park Rugby Club, will attend a development day at Sandbach, in Cheshire, on Sunday, December 9 along with the rest of the northern squad.

The full England team will be chosen at the end of January next year.

Stewart Souter, head of PE at the academy, said: “Joe is a talented sportsman who has represented the school in football, athletics and cricket - the progress he has made in rugby has been outstanding.

"He is a determined young man, who is willing to work hard to get where he wants in the game.

“The forthcoming trials are a great opportunity for Joe and one I am positive he will make the most of.”