Nick's Durban trip assured with England call-up (From Stroud News and Journal)

Nick's Durban trip assured with England call-up

FORMER Beaudesert Park pupil Nick Abendanon, 18, who was born in South Africa, has been called up for the England Under-19s squad which headed to Durban on Sunday to compete in the IRB U19 World Championship.

Abendanon replaced Uche Oduoza (Worcester Warriors), who exacerbated a knee injury in training.

England Under-19s coach Tosh Askew said: "We are all very disappointed for Uche who I am sure will feature in the future. "Nick was very close to making it into the squad and this opportunity is much deserved." Abendanon was born in Johannesburg but came to England as a small child before returning to South Africa from the ages of 13 to 15.

He played mini rugby for Stroud, football in South Africa and took rugby union up again at Cheltenham College.

Abendanon said:"It is a tough break for Uche but it is so great to have this chance and it will be tremendous to play out there with local family members watching."