MAX Crumpton has been selected in the England under 20 rugby squad for the forthcoming Junior World Championship in South Africa.

The Hadleigh based 18-year-old, who plays at hooker, has been named in a 28 man travelling party for the tournament, which starts at the beginning of June.

But the call up came as a surprise for Crumpton.

“It’s great to have been picked and I’m delighted but it was really unexpected as well if I’m honest,” said Crumpton.

“I had been out injured with an ankle problem for around five months and only had four games back playing at the end of the season before being selected.

“It’s going to be brilliant though, and will definitely help me learn even more so I can improve my game.”

Crumpton has previously played for England at under 16 and 18 age-groups and is now one of the youngest players to have been named in the under 20 squad.

The former King John School pupil, who played on loan at National League One side Blackheath last season and also featured for the Saracens Academy, will fly out next Tuesday.

And he hopes to be able to help England secure success. “I can’t wait for the games to start and hopefully we can do well,” said Crumpton.

“There are three hookers in the squad so I don’t know how much I will play.

“But even being part of the whole event will be fantastic for me.”

England start their Junior World Championship campaign against Italy at the University of Western Cape Stadium in Cape Town on Monday, June 4 before they face Ireland in Stellenbosch four days later.

Their final group game then comes against hosts South Africa on Tuesday, June 12 before all sides go on to contest in the positional play-offs.

New Zealand have won the last four World Junior Championships and are again favourites this season.

However, England, who reached the final last summer in Italy, are again also hoping to reach the latter stages of the competition.

Crumpton will be following in the foot-steps of another ex King John School pupil – Jackson Wray – by taking part in the event. Wray has since progressed to become a regular in Saracens’ starting line-up.