SIMON Whatling took another step towards achieving his goal of a rugby career on Saturday when he was selected in Bath's 22-man matchday squad for their Zurich Premiership clash against Northampton.

The 18-year-old centre from Devizes, a member of Chippenham's U19s development squad as well as the Bath Academy, was restricted to non-playing substitute but is eager for more first team experience.

He said: "It was good to be around so many really talented players and professionals. If there had been an injury I would have gone on and I was ready to play.

"I started training with the first team three weeks ago and the coaches were really happy with my progress. I then got a phone call to say Matt Perry was injured and would I like to step in."

The former Devizes School pupil is currently studying for a GNVC in leisure and recreation at Oldfield College, who have strong links with the Recreation Ground giants.

He is being allowed time away from his studies to train with Bath three days a week and hopes to become a full-time member of the Academy .

Whatling's England career is also going from strength to strength. He skippered the U18s side last season and has won three U19 caps in his first season with the older age group.

He won the man-of-the-match award after bagging two tries in England's 32-7 Six Nations Championship win over Italy at Macclesfield and is set to start the crunch decider against Ireland in Cork on March 29.

Said Whatling: "I was on the bench for the Scotland game, played the last 20 minutes and have started every game since."