RUGBY star Josh Hallett has been selected in the England under-18 squad for their forthcoming tour of South Africa.

The 17-year-old inside centre - from Leigh - is one of 26 players to be making the trip.

And Josh’s father Wayne said the youngster cannot wait to line up for his country.

“Josh is looking forward to the opportunities that await him in South Africa,” said Wayne.

“Following on from what had been an up and down season for him, Josh is obviously really pleased to be part of the squad which is touring South Africa.”

England will face France, Wales and South Africa while abroad, with the first of the three contests being played on Friday, August 10.

But Wayne was also keen to thank the coaches who had helped make the call-up possible for Josh, who started his rugby career with Southend before moving on to Saracens.

“Josh has had some amazing support from his coaches and fellow players at both Saracens and Southend,” said Wayne.

“He continues to be supported by parents of the boys he played alongside while at Southend and I know Josh is especially thankful to his head of rugby at New Hall School, Tom Taylor.

“He has coached and supported him over the past six years.”

Despite his young age, Josh has already secured plenty of success.

The talented teenager was just 16 when he was selected to play in the under 18 Academy League fixtures for Saracens and in the same season he was selected to play for England’s under-16s.

Josh missed all of the Academy League fixtures through injury last season but, once back to full fitness, he was named in England’s under-17 squad to face Scotland.

And he then also showed his versatility by impressing for Saracens’ sevens squad.

“Josh was selected alongside a number of Premiership players in a Saracens squad that won the Greene King IPA sevens,” said Wayne.

“They beat professional sevens specialists Samurai in the final and it was another great experience for Josh.

“This season will now be his last as a junior academy player but he’s looking forward to the games for his school and for Saracens.”