A YOUNG woman from Warrington has been called up to the England Students Rugby League squad.

Megan Moore, captain of Priestley College’s girls’ rugby academy, will train with other elite players whose goal is to be selected for the team to play Great British Teachers on March 18.

It is an incredible achievement for the teenager from Great Sankey, who also plays for the Warrington Wolves women's team.

“I was a bit shocked when I heard I’d got in, but I recognised some of the other girls at the trials so knew I wasn’t out of my depth,” said the 18-year-old.

“My goal is to play for the England national team and this takes me a step closer to that.”

Moore, who is in the Wire Women squad for their first ever season in the Betfred Women's Super League, found out about the call-up in January but had to keep the news secret until the squad was officially announced two weeks later.

She secured her place after trials in Manchester, which involved an hour of drills and another of match play with nearly 100 other players. Only 24 made the cut.

It was the second England call-up for a Priestley College student in less than a month after footballer Kenny Bernal played for England U18s Schoolboys against Australia in January.

Priestley is now sponsoring Megan to help pay for her travel and kit costs.

Principal Matthew Grant said: “We’re extremely proud of Megan for her achievements and passion for the sport so we are glad to be supporting her beyond college. Everyone at Priestley wishes her well in securing a place on the England team.”

Moore, a former pupil at St Gregory’s Roman Catholic High School, will now complete a two-year programme with the England squad.

Before going to St Gregory's, Moore first played rugby at Sacred Heart Primary School.

"She stood out at primary school for her courage, effort and determination," said Mark Graham, who coached Moore at Sacred Heart.

"I'm incredibly proud to see her achieving her potential."

Lee Mitchell, Community Rugby League Manager with the Warrington Wolves Foundation, coaches Moore in the Priestley rugby academy.

“Megan has supported girls who are new to the sport after joining the academy so it is inspiring for them to see her progress in this way,” he said.