CHRIS MEEHAN received a unique international call-up this week when hhe was selected for a British Isles 'Barbarian' rugby union team at Under-18 level.

The team will take the place of Ireland in this year's Under-18 home nations tournament which is to be held in Wales later this month.

Ireland had to pull out of the competition because of their government's stance on the Foot & Mouth crisis. Chris, along with six other English players, will join a sqaud including players from Scotland and Wales, together with five British-based Irish players to form the 'Barbarians' team.

Chris, a pupil at South Craven School who plays his club rugby with Keighley said: "I'm honoured to have been selected for this team, especially as I will be playing among older players. I am particularly looking forward to our last match in the tournament which will be against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.

This weekend Chris is at Durham University training with the England Under-17 development squad.