NORTH Tawton Rugby Club is celebrating after one of its players was selected for the England Under 19s squad to tour Canada. Jo McBain, 17, of Meeth, took up rugby seriously four years ago at North Tawton. She had played before, but took up the challenge and has thrown herself into the sport in a serious way, attracting the attention of the national selectors. She will be hoping to line up wearing the number 8 shirt for the two tests in Vancouver against Canada U19s from February 26 to March 6. RFUW Academy coach Gary Street will lead the 26-strong U19 squad on their first overseas tour, assisted by former England Academy assistant coaches Andy Paton and Ian Griffin, He said: ?This will be the first opportunity for the players to compete overseas, but with the women?s game being a developing sport the girls need some help off the field with funding.? North Tawton Rugby Club is so proud of its England team member that it has donated £300 in sponsorship. North Tawton president Peter Hoggins presented Jo with a cheque at a recent training session held at the North Tawton ground. ?Jo has a natural talent for rugby. The club is absolutely delighted and it was unanimously agreed that we would sponsor her,? said Mr Hoggins. ?We are very proud,? he added. Jo is studying for her A-levels in English language, drama and communications at Okehampton College. ?I have been training really hard lately and I?m really looking forward to playing for England. ?I would like to thank North Tawton Rugby Club for their sponsorship and the support they give me,? said Jo. North Tawton RFC training evenings for both men and women are held from 7pm on Tuesdays. The men?s games are usually played on Saturdays and the women?s games on Sundays. New players would be welcome to join the club. North Tawton RFC is also looking for coaching staff for the men?s team. If you would like to find out more, telephone 01837 82516.
