Two local players have made the England Students squads which will be taking part in a Four Nations competition in June. Ryan Chesters, from St Mary’s University College and Dion Chapman of Southgate College are both props who are currently honing their skills at a higher level with Hemel Stags and London Skolars respectively.

Dion, who is studying for an NVQ apprenticeship in sport at Southgate College, began playing at a young age thanks to one of the London Skolars community coaches coming to his north London school and introducing the pupils to the game.

At the age of 11 he was invited down to the Skolars club and has been there ever since, slotting in at either centre, back row or prop. He signed a first team contract with the club at the start of the season and has already played against London Broncos and Toulouse Olympique.

“It’s been a major step up,” admits Dion. “It’s a lot faster and more physical.”

Dion and Ryan attended their first England Students training session last week and both were impressed with the set up. “I really enjoyed that first England session,” said Dion.”It was a real eye opener with some great coaching.”