Former Rotorua Boys' High School's 1st XV captain Teimana Harrison has been praised by the school's principal after being named in the England training squad to face Wales later this month.
The uncapped back-row forward was picked this weekend after excelling for Northampton this season and has been included in a 26-man training squad who will convene for a three-day training squad in Brighton beginning on May 16.
Harrison, 23, was born in Opotiki but has an English father.
The talented player first came to the attention of England captain and former Rotorua Boys' High player Dylan Hartley five years ago, after Hartley visited his old school during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and saw him in action.
Principal Chris Grinter, who today returns from Japan with the school's rugby squad after they competed in an international tournament, is delighted but not surprised with his former pupil's inclusion.