Four young Cumbrians will get the chance to represent England against Wales in the 2019 U19 Home Nations match.

After an intensive selection programme, Elliott Stockdale, Evan Jones, Jack Stephenson who all play for Dalton ARLFC and Astin Mossop for Millom ARLFC, were selected for the England Community Lions Youth Development Squad, which is made up of 24 players, from across 16 different community clubs.

The programme is designed to retain players, as well as offer opportunities, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through competitions and cultural experiences.

The budding stars were first selected for Barrow & District after a trial game against West Cumbria. They then had the chance to represent Cumbria against both Lancashire and Yorkshire.

And, this weekend the 24 man team are competing in the Home Nations series against Wales and Scotland.

As a result, the team will also be making their way to Italy in 2020 to represent the country in the Rugby League European Federation U19 European Championship.

The England team will have the chance to take on reigning champions France, who won the last tournament in Serbia.

For the first time Italy will be hosting the event and the northeast coastal city Lignano Sabbiadoro will be the base for the event.

England were runners-up in a tightly-fought final in 2018 and next years competition will see the eight nations battle each other to take home the title.

Next year’s championship will take place between September, 3 and 13.