OLLY RUSSELL is celebrating after being selected to play for the England under-16 Rugby League team.
The 16-year-old stand off from Springhead will feature in two internationals against France on Good Friday (April 3) and four days later with the games being played at Castleford and Wakefield.
Olly, a pupil at Sadleworth School, is currently on a two-year scholarship at Wigan Warriors.
He will be joining up with England for a one week training camp in the build up to the internationals.
“It is a massive honour but Olly deserves it as he has worked hard to develop his game,” explained proud dad Richard.
It is hardly surprising Olly, who has been playing for Oldham St Anne’s since the age of six, has inherited the rugby gene as he is the third generation of his family to play the sport at a high level.
Father Richard was a full England international who played for Wigan, Oldham and Castleford.
And grandfather Jimmy Russell starred for Huddersfield and Bradford Northern during his playing days. Olly’s uncle Phil Russell also played for Bradford Northern.
Olly’s older sister Bethany (18) also plays the sport and last year featured for Rochdale Hornets in the final of the women’s Challenge Cup.
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