A JUNIOR rugby team has faced off with European opposition to raise funds for the family of a teenager who is battling bone cancer.

Woolston Rovers under 15s player Callum Stone was diagnosed with bone cancer last month, less than a year after breaking his leg in a horrific accident while in training with the club.

But since news of his diagnosis was revealed, the town's rugby league community has rallied to support the 15-year-old.

And last Wednesday, April 18, Rylands Sharks under 14s held a charity match for the teenager's benefit against visiting French junior side Cahor RL at their Gorsey Lane ground.

Dave Daniels, coaching coordinator at Rylands Sharks, organised the fundraising game.

He said: "I'm good friends with Callum's dad, and I've known him since I was a kid.

"It was a good game and a good challenge, and we managed to raise quite a bit of money.

"That will be massive for them when they're going through such a bad time.

"If you can do anything for someone at a time like this then you should do it, and the rugby community always does things like this - that's why I love the game so much."

The charity match raised around £1,000 for Callum and his family, with Rylands triumphing over their French opposition.

Further bucket collections were held during the team's matches at the weekend.

Rylands' youngsters are now planning to travel to France next year for a return fixture.

Mark Melvin from the club added: "It's sad to hear what has happened to Callum and it must be very hard for them.

"He had hoped to come down to the match but he couldn't because he had just had his first chemotherapy session, so he was very tired.

"There was a good turnout, with a good couple of hundred at least coming down and donating on the gate.

"Clubs all over the country have been raising money for, not just teams in Warrington - it's absolutely amazing.

"Rugby league is like one big family and we all stick together."

An online crowdfunding campaign set up to support Callum’s family has now reached nearly £12,000 in donations from kind-hearted residents.

To donate click here.