Jersey RFC star Coombs earns England Under-18 call

Seren Coombs made her senior debut for Jersey shortly after her 17th birthday

Rising Jersey RFC Women star Seren Coombs has been named in the England Under-18 squad for next month's Six Nations Festival.

The 18-year-old flanker was called up to the Red Roses squad for the first time after impressing in a selection match against Hartpury College.

Coombs will fly to Dublin for a warm-up Test against Ireland on 30 March before the Six Nations Festival which runs from 11-19 April.

"Playing against the top girls of my age from other nations is going to be amazing," she told BBC Radio Jersey.

"I never imagined I'd be able to perform at this level, and the fact I'm with one of the highest-ranked teams in the world is just an amazing opportunity."

Having been introduced to the sport through touch rugby, Coombs progressed into Jersey's girls' team before earning county and regional age-group call-ups for Sussex and South East England.

Coombs' international selection comes just over a year since she made her senior bow for Jersey RFC Women, shortly after her 17th birthday.

"My progression over the last couple of years has been so quick," she added.

"If you asked me in September if I thought this would be possible, I wouldn't have believed you."

Coombs quickly settled into the senior club ranks, helping Jersey win promotion to Women's National Challenge 1 South East (South) in her first season.

"She's an incredible player and I'm not surprised she's been called up for England," women's captain Katie De La Cloche told BBC Radio Jersey.

"Ever since she was 17 she was champing at the bit to join the team and 'up' her level and her skill, and ever since then she's just a massive part of the team.

"She's got the drive, she's got the determination - she can go all the way."