PAUL Cooper cannot wait to figure for the England Deaf Rugby team against Wales this weekend.

The 28-year-old, who has played for both Southend and Thurrock during his career, will start the clash on the bench.

And Cooper is incredibly proud of his latest call up to the squad.

“It’s always a great achievement to be selected as I have to put a lot of work in while we are not all together,” said the tighthead prop.

“To me it also shows that no matter if you are partially to profoundly deaf, you can still play the game even to international level.

“There is nothing there to stop you playing the game you love and enjoy and that’s a great feeling.

“It's not just your pride you carry though because you are representing your country and the people in it.

“You also need to make it count as well because it's not an everyday thing and you don't know when the next time will be that you’re wearing that shirt.”

Cooper’s appearance on Sunday will be his fourth for England and comes after he successfully worked his way through a number of trial games and training sessions.

After that, 23 men were selected before the matchday squad was chosen for Sunday’s clash at Moseley Rugby Club in Birmingham.

Cooper, who lives in South Ockendon, is eager to come out on top and revealed he would also have to adjust to the rules of deaf rugby.

“The scrum engagement is slightly different in the terms of the referee having to put his hand in and out during the calls,” said Cooper.

“Once the referee blows the whistle we have to stop other players as in an international they are not allowed to wear hearing aids.

“This is due to one of the laws of the game as it could be seen as a communication device but other than that it’s quite similar.

“I can’t wait to be involved and we’re desperate to get the win.”

For more details on Sunday’s game visit www.englanddeafrugby. com