WORCESTER University student Jamie Purnell has received his first-ever international call-up.

Purnell, 18, will make the trip to North Carolina this weekend to take part in the USA U20 (he qualifies to represent the USA through his mother) winter training camp to prepare for next year’s World Trophy Cup.

Having played from the age of six at Droitwich, Purnell progressed onto the DiSE programme (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) at Stourport Sixth form, where he played for the Worcester Warriors Academy.

Following the demise of Warriors, Purnell received a rugby scholarship to study and play at the University of Worcester, where he has started every game for the first team in their University BUCS league.

Purnell currently trains with Luctonians in the National League and has been involved in an incredibly successful second team, who are unbeaten in over a year.

Following his success, he has attracted the attention of the coaches involved with the USA set-up and has now been invited to take part in their winter training camp in North Carolina.

Those who impress at the camp will then be offered the chance to play for their country in the Junior World Trophy qualifier with Canada next year, and, should they quality, the Junior World Trophy (second-tier U20 World Cup).