Andrew Verspeak, a lower college student at the Boswells School in Springfield, was selected to represent the 'Scottish Exiles' in a rugby match on Tuesday.

The match was to be staged at Richmond Park in London and the opposition is the Welsh Under 18 side.

The selection is prestigious as places are limited and reserved for those who play to a high standard.

To be eligible for selection a player has to be currently living outside of Scotland but has to be of Scottish descent.

This is an excellent achievement for Andrew, 17, from Springfield, who has been a keen rugby player for a number of years.

He has been a committed member of the school's rugby team since he was in year seven, and is now involved in coaching younger students at the school.

Out of school Andrew plays for Billericay Rugby Club.

Andrew said he was delighted to have the opportunity to play for Scotland and to be selected has made himself and his family proud.

Mr Scott Borthwick, the PE teacher responsible for rugby at Boswells School, said: "Andrew deserves his place in the side as he trains hard and his skills are very good for his age."

Andrew Verspeak is pictured right in full Scottish regalia, in preparation for the match.

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