WILTSHIRE has been named one of the top birthplaces of rugby talent.

Research commissioned for Barclays Spaces for Sports links the birthplaces of sportsmen with the highest number of appearances for England over the past 100 years.

The study places Wiltshire in fifth spot with four per cent of the total number of capped England rugby players born in the county.

Bath Rugby Club's Alex Crockett, left, who has represented England at Under 21 level, was born in Swindon.

And his team mate Mike Baxter, who has also played for the under 21s, grew up in Wootton Bassett.

Barclays Spaces for Sports is a £30 million investment that aims to create sustainable sports facilities in communities across the UK.