A TALENTED rugby player from near Ross-on-Wye has been named in the new academy intake at English Premiership club, Worcester Warriors.

Theo Mayell captained Warriors Under-18s in the Premiership Rugby Under-18 Academy League during the season.

He was selected to play for England Under-18s but was prevented from playing in the Six Nations competition after breaking his wrist while leading Monmouth School for Boys into the Vase semi-finals at the prestigious Rosslyn Park Sevens.

After an outstanding couple of days, Mayell, 18, and the Monmouth boys showed character and resilience at Rosslyn Park to reach the last four before bowing out to a strong Stowe School side, which went on to lift the trophy.

Mayell, who was the school's firsts captain last term is one of only five players named in the new Three Pears Warriors intake.

Although Mayell has played most of his rugby at number eight, he can also operate at openside flanker.

It follows on from school team-mate Joe Jenkins, who has recently signed professional terms with Bristol Bears’ senior academy for next season.

Jenkins, a centre, started his rugby at Hereford RFC.