Charlie Matthews' first season for England

Hurstpierpoint College and England Under 18 second row forward, Charlie Matthews has just finished his first round of International matches as a member of England's U18 Five Nations Festival team. Being part of a squad who have just completed a clean sweep of wins this season* - they comprehensively overpowered Scotland, Japan, Italy and Wales (the match against Ireland was, sadly, cancelled) - makes it look as if Charlie has earned his place in future National squads but he takes nothing for granted. "I'm hoping to be selected for England's Summer tour of South Africa; it will be a very tough tour", he says, "but I will have to continue to deserve that honour and I'm working very hard to do just that'.

What's it like being a member of such an elite squad? "Well, I was invited to join in late January whilst most of the squad had been together since last September. I have to say that it's a really tight, united, community and they were extraordinarily welcoming. It took me a while to find my feet but during that time I learned an amazing amount and gradually my own confidence in my playing skills increased; you need to be confident enough in these matches to let your instincts guide you and you need to be very familiar with how your colleagues play so that your efforts mesh in with theirs. It was a steep learning curve but I have loved every minute of it."

Hurst's Second Deputy Head, John Green paid tribute to Charlie's contribution both on and off the field. "Charlie has been an incredible role model both as Hurstpierpoint College's Head Boy and as Captain of Hurst's First XV rugby team. His recent performance for England's U18 Rugby team has shown that he is very comfortable playing at this level. Indeed his latest performance (26th April) when England comprehensively defeated Wales at Ebbw Vale was, without doubt, first class".

Rob Kift, Hurst's Director of Sport is equally fulsome in his praise. "Charlie is has brilliant ball management skills, great physical presence on the field and is simply magnificent in line-outs. He's really earned his place in the England squad and, in my opinion, deserves to remain a key member when they leave for South Africa this Summer. Above all, though, Charlie is a really great guy. His success comes from commitment and hard work as well as talent; he keeps his feet firmly on the ground, sets clear goals and then does whatever he needs to do to achieve them. He richly deserves his current success."

Rugby looks set to remain at the heart of Charlie's life for a few years yet. After his A levels this Summer he hopes to go to Loughborough University sponsored by Harlequins and to stay with the Quins, training and playing for them, during the vacations. But for now, his focus is firmly on that South Africa tour and his exams next month. "I have to say that combining my studies with my England training and match commitments has been the toughest challenge I have yet faced but I wouldn't want it any other way. I feel incredibly proud every time I pull on the England shirt."

* The complete tally of wins is:

22nd March, Kingston Park, England beat Scotland, 63 points to 0

29th March, Sandy Park, England beat Japan High Schools, 71 points to 7

12th April, Stadio L.Zaffanella, England beat Italy, 63 points to 3

15th April, Stadio L.Zaffanella, England beat Scotland, 75 points to 0

26th April, Eugene Cross Park, England beat Wales, 36 points to 23