THE flourishing rugby career of Bolton School prop Jack Forster continues to go from strength to strength.

The tighthead prop is set to make his international debut after being called into the England Under 16s side for the tri-nations competition against Wales and Italy.

His first game for his country could come on Tuesday, when England take on Wales, with a further clash against the Azzurri the following Saturday.

His progression to the international stage has come on the back of his successes for Bolton Schools, Lancashire and the North of England representative sides.

It is a remarkable achievement for any player from outside the game's heartlands to be making such a name for himself.

But his coach, Paul Fernside, has always had faith in the 15-year-old, who weighs in at in incredible 16st 10lbs.

"And there's not much extra in that. That's all muscle," says Fernside.

"He's a great talent and the best product this school has produced in a long time.

"We're currently searching through the history books because he's certainly the first pupil here to have been picked for an England rugby team in the post war era -- maybe ever!

"It has been hard and taken a lot of commitment for him to get so far.

"He has had to do a lot of travelling for training camps in recognised rugby union areas to get himself noticed.

"He's given up six weekends and his entire half term already this season but he's reaping the rewards now with these international fixtures."