AN 18-year-old student studying at the Warrington Wolves Education Academy has been invited to play for Spain in their first international rugby league game.

Danny Garcia O’Brien, from Penketh, put a stop to his promising career in rugby league after breaking a bone in his hand, but he has now been asked to represent his country in their first outing against Belgium in Brussels on Saturday, May 24.

The invitation came after Scotland head coach Steve McCormack, who is also a lecturer in Rugby League at WWEA, contacted Spain head coach Darren Fisher about the young talent.

“This is a dream come true,” said Danny. “Darren invited me over for a trial, which went really well, it was an amazing experience and I’m hoping to do just as well playing for Spain.”

Danny was given a given a trial by Fisher that saw him play two games for Valencia Warriors.

Warriors won both games with Danny in the side and the new man impressed, scoring three tries over two games and also received the honour of man of the match for the second game.

“I shall watch Danny’s career with interest,” said Liam Bretherton, Course Leader at WWEA and former Wolves and England player.

“He has been a star player for the Warrington Collegiate team and a motivated and committed student.”

Danny now plans a long and successful playing career including ambitions to be in the Spanish squad at the next Rugby League World Cup in Australia in 2017.