A FORMER Cooper-Avon Tyres' rugby player is celebrating this week after being selected to represent Ireland under 18s in the Five Nations championship.

Rory Sloan, 18, will gain his fifth international cap next Saturday when he takes the field in the opening match against Italy at Donnebrook Stadium, Dublin.

He will then add to his international experience with three matches in Belfast in the next week against England, Wales and Scotland.

The centre made his previous four appearances in the corresponding championships last year.

Although born in Melksham, he qualifies to play for Ireland through his father, Martin, who was raised in Belfast and who played rugby as a fly half for London Irish in the early 80s.

Mr Sloan founded the CATs junior section 11 years ago and Rory played at the club from the age of seven through to 16 when he joined top rugby school, Colston's, in Bristol.

"I am well chuffed to be selected to play for Ireland again," said Rory.

"I may not have been born there but I have picked up dad's Irish accent and love the place.

"My interest in rugby was natural I suppose because dad was so keen on it and I really enjoyed my time at CATs.

"I played well last time but we only won one game so hopefully we can do better than that this time."

As well as playing rugby at Colston's School, Sloan is studying for biology, geography and sports science A-Levels.

He hopes to win a rugby scholarship at university next year, either at Exeter or Queen's in Belfast, where he would also study for a degree in sports science.

The former George Ward School pupil said: "I definitely want to have a career in the game in some way.

"Obviously my dream is to play professionally and it would be unbelievable if I could one day represent Ireland at senior level.

"But even if I don't make it that far I want to remain in the game in some way, perhaps coaching or maybe being a nutritionist for a club or something like that."

To be selected for this month's championship he had to take part in a number of tough trials held in Dublin from January to March period.

Martin Sloan, a former president of CATs rugby club, said he was proud of everything his son had achieved.

"It is excellent," he said. "We started up the mini section at CATs because there were some rugby playing parents with young kids.

"We thought it would be great to get these kids playing rugby on a Sunday morning and everything for Rory has really gone from there.

"I am very happy that Rory has decided to carry on where I left off and there is no doubt he has a lot of talent."

"I think he has a realistic chance of forging a career for himself in rugby especially if he can link playing with the University he goes to. If he goes to Queens in Belfast then he could link up with Ulster or if he goes to Exeter he could play for the Chiefs."

Rory's mother, Peggy, said her son's interest in rugby was almost inevitable.

She said: "I am extremely proud of him.

"It is something he has always wanted to do and we have always had rugby balls dotted around the house.

"He has put in a tremendous amount of hard work over the years and now it is all coming to fruition."