THE Red Roses are looking to Tynedale's blossoming star to maintain their status as the best team in the world.

For Holly Thorpe (16), who has played at Tynedale Panthers for the past eight years, has been selected to the England U18 national talent development group after impressing over a number of trials.

The Hexham teenager was put through to national trials after excelling with the North of England squad, and she did more than enough at full back to convince the England selectors that she was worth a punt.

She will meet up with the national squad at 12 camps throughout the year, with the aim of moulding the next crop of stars for the current Women's Rugby World Cup champions.

Holly said: "I was told about a month ago about the selection but I had to keep it a secret, which was hard! But I'm very excited, but a bit scared, about it all.

"I want to play for the senior England team and I love rugby sevens, so the Olympics is where I want to be!

"I want to say a big thanks to Tynedale as the coaching here has been fantastic from day one, and the support you get is great."

Holly's selection further emphasises the great work done with the girls' section at Tynedale Rugby Club, the Panthers for the first time looking likely to field squads at all age levels at U13, U15 and U18.

New players are welcome to come along to training, which takes place at the Corbridge ground on Thursday evenings from 6pm.