A pair of West Cumbrian rising rugby league stars have been included in the initial England squad for the Student World Cup later this year.

Ex-Workington Town star Liam McAvoy and Seaton amateur Liam Wood, who has been on trial at Derwent Park, earned their spots after impressing during the Student Origin game last month.

Wood started for the North side, who went on to claim their second win over the South at Loughborough.

McAvoy, now with Newcastle Thunder, was on the bench for the clash, which the North won 28-16.

Students from all over the country have been selected in the 33-man train-on squad, which will be whittled down to 30 then 24 players, ahead of the event in Australia in July.

Head coach Colin Baker said: "We are delighted with the players' performance throughout the programme of regional games and the origin game so far, and are looking forward to bringing the players into the England environment for the first time this year.

"We will be taking into consideration players' on-field performances as well as their contribution off the field in all of the sessions so far as we build towards our trip to Australia.

"I'd like to congratulate all the players on their selection at this point but remind them all that they have to continue to work hard to give themselves the best opportunity for further selection."

The squad will train together for the first time on Saturday, March 11, when the group will be cut to 30 players for the five-game preparation phase of the programme.

The final 24 players will be announced in May.

The England Universities squad are fund-raising to help pay for the trip online.

Baker added: "Players and staff are responsible for fundraising for the cost of the programme and your support will be very much appreciated."

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/englandunirl