10:57am Thursday 18th March 2010
By Chris Phillips
MAX Crumpton is set to tackle international rugby for the first time after being selected in the England under-16 squad.
The hooker, who plays for both Westcliff Rugby Club and Saracens, is part of a 26-man travelling party for the Four Nations tournament which takes place in Rome at the start of next month.
And, according to his dad Paul, the youngster is already excited at the prospect of taking on Wales, France and Italy.
“It’s the first age-group that you can be called up by England and Max is thrilled to have made the squad,” said Paul.
“He has captained Essex in his career already and this is another real highlight for him.
“Max made it through the trial process and we’re all incredibly proud and delighted about what he has achieved.”
Max, who lives in Hadleigh, is a pupil at Thundersley’s King John School and will be in Rome for the event which starts in early April.
He was keen to thank Mark Sexton of King John School and Nigel Branch of Westcliff Rugby Club for their help in his career and will warm up for the Four Nations by facing a mixed academy side in Oxford towards the end of March.
Max will then fly to Italy and faces his first match against Wales on Saturday, April 3, before facing France three days later and then Italy.
He will roared on by at least 10 members of his family and friends, including dad Paul.
“We’re all going out there and can’t wait to him play,” he said.
“We’re very proud of what he has achieved but it is hard to know what to expect from the tournament itself.
“England and Wales are both under-16 sides but France and Italy are under-17 so that may make a difference.”
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