Harrison blooming in England

Teimana Harrison in action for English club Northampton. He has been picked to represent the red rose of England. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

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.

"Teimana is a highly-focused and a totally committed player who brings physicality, aggression and a passion to his game which belies his size and off field manner," said Grinter.

"He has developed impressively over the years since his school playing days and he looks to have become the consummate professional with a long and successful international career ahead of him.

"I am over the moon for him and his family and those in the community that he carries in his heart whenever he plays as he builds his reputation in international rugby.

"He is a very special young man and talent who has seized opportunities to indeed reach for the stars."

Harrison, who started his early days as a lock, can now play across the back row and Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes he is ready for the step up to international rugby after a breakthrough season with Saints.

"He is definitely in the frame," Mallinder said recently. "He has been improving for a few years but I think we have seen a level of consistent performance from him this year to suggest that he go on and play at a higher level."

Harrison is one of eight uncapped players in the squad who will begin preparations for the one-off test against Wales at Twickenham on May 29 before the three-test tour to Australia. And Grinter believes Harrison's rise to the international stage will be an inspiration for all the current and future players at Rotorua Boys' High School.

"He certainly is someone to look up to for our boys. He shows that through hard work and a willingness to plan and prepare you can make it to the top," he said.

"Teimana still has brothers at school and as a recent leaver he is still well known around here by the current pupils.

"We can't wait to see him run on to the field in the white jersey of England."