Published at 11:01, Friday, 20 July 2012

Two teenagers players from rugby clubs in Maryport have been selected for the English Lions U18 tour of Lebanon.

In the squad are Sam Forester, of Maryport ARL club, and Chris Tomlinson, of Glasson.

Also named are Scott Pink, Karl Dixon and Ian Curnow, all of Wath Brow, plus Egremont’s Leon Crellin and Kells’ Daniel Rowell.

Tour captain is Millom’s Marcus O’Brien who also toured with the 2011 Community Lions U18s to South Africa alongside Sam Forester.

English Lions U18s head coach, Kelvin Lockett said: “Things are looking good for the tour, there’s lots of great development work going on in Lebanon and this is a chance for their U20s to test their arm against English opposition.

“The whole squad have been briefed on the tour and they are very aware and well prepared. Beirut is a very multi-cultural city and it should be a fantastic tour.

“The team we’re playing have been through some selection processes and most play for universities and have a club background.

“They have done their homework, will have their best players out and we’re expecting a strong challenge, it will be a great opportunity for the players and staff to test themselves in this environment.”

The squad will hold two training sessions at Milford prior to embarking from Manchester Airport for Beirut on Tuesday.

In Lebanon the squad will be based in Beirut and will play Liban Espoir next Saturday and on August 1 before returning on August 3.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk