SOUTHEND Sharks star George Wood is celebrating being selected in Germany’s rugby league squad.

The 22-year-old centre has been called up for a trio of international fixtures.

And Wood - who qualifies to play due to his German-born grandfather - is proud to have been picked.

“I’m truly over the moon and very surprised,” said Wood.

“It’s come as a little bit of a shock to me but I’ve always been very proud of my heritage.

“To be able to show that playing rugby internationally will be an incredible experience.”

Wood’s call-up comes following a hectic schedule which has seen him driving to Germany to play in their domestic league for the Westfalen Warriors.

“For the last two weekends I have been driving to Germany and playing for the Westfalen warriors in the Steeden Bundesleague where we narrowly lost in the final,” said Wood, who plays rugby union for Southend.

“Fellow Southend Saxon and Shark Tom Molwe had introduced me to Zak Bredin the captain of Westfalen Warriors who then put me in touch with Simon Cooper one of the directors of the national team so it all went from there.

“Simon then invited me over to play and Zak and the rest of the Westfalen Warriors were very welcoming.”

And Wood cannot wait to line up for the national team.

“The games we have are two European Championship Group C games that are also used for the World Cup qualifiers,” said Wood.

“We will play against Czech Republic and Norway and then we have the Griffin Cup against Holland which I’m really excited about.”

Wood has now been playing rugby league for the past seven years and is enjoying a successful domestic season with Southend Sharks.

“The Sharks have started incredibly well for a team that’s brand new,” said Wood.

“We’ve had players from Westcliff, Rochford, Chelmsford and Southend play for us which I think is great and we are currently third in East Division One.

“I’ve also used league as a great way to prepare myself for pre-season with the Saxons and the extra fitness is definitely showing in training.”