OXENHOPE'S James Whitcombe continued an impressive family tradition after making his debut in England under-16s' 41-22 victory over Wales in Somerset.

His dad, grandad and great grandad all earned honours at international or regional representative level and now the Leicester Tigers Academy teenager has added to that list.

Martin Whitcombe, father of the 16-year-old Woodhouse Grove pupil, said: "It was wonderful for James to play in front of so many of his family and friends.

"He played for about 60 minutes at loose-head prop in what was a great occasion and great experience for him, and he will have more occasions like these if he wants to progress."

Martin, who is director of rugby at Bradford & Bingley, played for England at under-19, under-23 and B level, also as a loose-head prop.

James’ grandad Frank junior propped for Bradford, Yorkshire and North Eastern Counties, while his great grandad Frank senior played rugby league for Bradford Northern and Great Britain.

Despite wet weather, a crowd of over 2,000 watched the match at Bridgwater & Albion, with England recovering from conceding a second-minute converted try to score seven tries.

They came from Raphael Quirke (2), Lennox Anyanwu, James Botterill, Jack Reid, Will Sinfield and Alfie Barbeary.