A LA MARE DE CARTERET schoolboy will become the first local player to gain full county honours.

Luke Jones has dreams of becoming an international player and he is on the first rung of that ladder as he has been selected for the Hampshire under-16s rugby squad.

The 15-year-old, who plays at centre, will have his first game in Hampshire colours on Sunday when he lines up against Sussex in Winchester.

His selection is the result of considerable groundwork and effort put in by his coaches over the years.

It is also a resounding endorsement of the hard work put in by the Guernsey Rugby Association’s development officer, Geraint Cooper.

‘Obviously it’s good for him to get through,’ said Cooper.

‘He’s put in hard work and he’s got dedication. It’s paying off.

‘It’s a good reflection of the sport that someone has got through to play at this level. Hopefully there will be more to come.’

Jones (pictured) and fellow junior rugby player Jordan Gilvear hit the headlines last season when they could not make the Hampshire U-15s trials due to the airport firefighters row.

Now he is in the mix, Jones’s Hampshire games before Christmas will also be assessed for selection into the London Divisional side and ultimately for the England U-16 group.