Long Lee teenager Jessica Courtman has been selected to compete in France with the England students’ women’s rugby league team later this month.

The former Oakbank School student, who will begin studying for a sports diploma at Craven College in Skipton this autumn, was first called up by England last year after a swift rise through the sport.

Jessica, 17, began playing rugby at school and then for women’s teams in Castleford and Ovenden. She currently plays for League Cup winners Bradford Thunderbirds and was recently invited to join the adult Yorkshire team.

Her mum Caroline said: “Jessica was multi-talented in sports at Oakbank and has about 60 medals. The Great Britain badminton team also wanted her.

“She impressed the Great Britain women’s team’s coach during recent trials and he said she would definitely be in the full England squad and one of the youngest talents playing in the World Cup.”

Jessica is hoping to find a local business willing to provide £300 of sponsorship to help pay for the trip to France. Anyone interested should call Caroline Courtman on 07774-658379.