A secondary student from a leading North Yorkshire academy has been selected to represent the Yorkshire RFU Academy team.

Harry Gilson-Fox, 17, is a student at ̨��swag Academy Easingwold and plays his club rugby for York RUFC.

After his call-up, Harry will take to the field against Wasps this Saturday (14/12) as Yorkshire RFU Academy begin their Premiership Rugby Academy League campaign at Warwick School, in Warwick.

Harry, who plays as a second row forward and is considered a promising Lock, said: “I am delighted to have been called up to the Yorkshire RFU Academy. The recognition is absolutely fantastic and I am excited at the prospect of testing myself against the inevitable high-quality opponents in the Premiership Rugby Academy League.”

The Premiership Rugby Academy League sees the academy sides compete against each other. Last year Leicester Tigers won the title for the second-year running, while Yorkshire RFU Academy’s first opponents Wasps finished second.

Simon Gilson-Fox, Harry’s father, said: “I am extremely proud of Harry and his progression to the Academy squad and I am really looking forward to the next few games.”

Harry was selected to play for the county’s U17 side, from the England Rugby Developing Player Programme in February this year. He has played against the likes of Durham, Cheshire and Lancashire. Harry’s form for the team has led to his inclusion in the Yorkshire RFU Academy side.

Laura Eddery, Principal at ̨��swag Academy Easingwold, said:

“The entire ̨��swag Family are proud of Harry. Not only is he an exceptional sportsman but he is also a wonderfully dedicated and polite student. The academy and wider ̨��swag Family will be rooting for him when he takes to the pitch for Yorkshire RFU Academy.”