College student Matt Chambers is through to the final stage of the selection process for the U16 England development squad. The fifteen year old from Stansted has played at County level for two years, initially for Hertfordshire and more recently for Essex and last Friday he made his debut as skipper of the London and South East U16 side, leading the team to a 15-10 victory over the North at the Divisional Festival in Wolverhampton. 

For his next match of the festival, the number eight had the opportunity to demonstrate his adaptability when he was asked to play for the Midlands against his London and South East team mates. Rising to the challenge, Chambers made his mark in the match, contributing a try towards the final score, 15-15.

Matt has also recently been made a Saracens RFU Academy athlete which means he has been identified as a potential premiership and full international player. “As part of this, Matt will receive more specialist attention focusing on strength and conditioning, analysis of games and his own personal development,” explained Mike Hynard, Assistant Academy Manager. “We are really pleased with the way Matt is developing.”

The final training camp for the U16 England development squad selection takes place from 27th to 29th January at Castlecroft near Wolverhampton where 77 hopeful players will be competing for a place in one of the three U16 teams. “Competition for a back row forward position will be very strong but Matt stands an excellent chance,” said College coach, Bob Kisby. “As a key player in the College 1st XV’s unbeaten season and outstanding tour to Ireland, Matt’s performance has been consistently high and his future rugby career looks very promising.”