Four Cumbrian policemen are on their way to Hong Kong to take part in the 2019 Police World Cup.

Workington PC Fergus Ledingham, 29, and Civil Nuclear Constabulary PC David Hanabury, 29, who both play for Wigton RFC, will be joined by Carlisle bobbies Sergeant Lee Brumpton, 38, and Carlisle RFC team-mate PC Angus Fulton, 22.

The competition saw six teams enter originally but the ongoing problems in Hong Kong has seen their force withdraw along with two other teams.

But it won’t be a cakewalk for the England side, as No8 Brumpton, the former England Police captain, pointed out.

“We’ll be playing Australia and New Zealand, so there’ll be no easy games,” he said.

“There were originally six teams but, due to the troubles out there it’s been cut to three. There’s still a lot going on though and, after the tournament we’re playing a 10s competition with those two teams as well.

“We played Australia in London when they toured four years ago, our first Test, and we lost 20-19. We’ve definitely come on since then. We have a squad of 34 and we’re confident.“And we’ll be watching the games while we’re out there for the 10 days.”

“I’ve had a knee operation, so to get a bit of game time would be great and then it’s time to retire,” added the Carlisle RUFC stalwart.

Young front-rower Fulton has been playing for the Police for three years, and added: “It’s a good opportunity to travel and see another part of the world, and meet people in other national Police forces.”

Fulton, who also plays with the city side, has been pleased with their start to the season.

“We have got two good wins to start in North Premier, beating Morpeth and Ilkley. We’ve started strongly and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Cumbria have four representatives in the squad, second only to The Met who have six.

England play New Zealand on Monday before facing Australia on Wednesday. The 10s event is next Friday.

Scrum-half Leadingham said: “I’ve been playing for Wigton since I was 11 and I joined the police in 2015 and started representing the police team from the end of 2015.

“The tour is very exciting and it’s great to meet up with other people from forces around the country.

“We have a lot in common with them as were rugby players and obviously policemen as well.”

Fly-half Hanabury added: “Played with the Police for the last three seasons and it’s a very good standard.“New Zealand and Australia are going to be very tough opposition. It’ll be a bit daunting and we’re going to be playing in very tough conditions out there. Humidity will play its part and it’s a good job we have a big squad travelling.

“We’ve had a couple of days training down in Cheltenham but it is tough to get together with everyone working different shifts.”

“It’ll be good to test ourselves against their best.”