ISAAC Curtis-Harris became the latest product of the Basingstoke RFC junior programme to pull on an England jersey.

He made his debut for the England Under-17 as they narrowly lost 28-26 to their French counterparts in a game played just outside Lyon.

Curtis-Harris missed the start of the season due to injury, but his performance for the London Irish under-18 side saw him get a late call-up.

The Exiles player said: “I was shocked to get the call, but everyone dreams of playing for their country.”

Curtis-Harris played at No 8 and also covered flanker during the game.

Reflecting on his first England appearance, the 17-year-old said: “I was proud to pull on an England shirt, even though we were disappointed with the result.

“I felt we played well, considering the team only met up for the first time two days before the game. The French had already played a couple of games.”

In a tight first half, England trailed 11-5 at the break and then, by the midway point of the second half, France had extended their lead to 25-10.

England hit back and were inside the home side’s five-metre line as the game came to a close, but their hopes of victory were dashed when they conceded a penalty, and France won the game 28-26.

Curtis-Harris said: “This is the last game for this side, but I hope I have done enough to get myself picked for England Under-18s next season.”

The Wellington College student hopes his appearance for England will inspire others from Down Grange, where he started playing rugby, to follow in his footsteps.

The teenager said: “Basingstoke is where it all started for me at the age of four and I was there until 2013.

“The coaching of the younger players is first class and it is a great credit to the club. I am sure I will not be the last former ’Stoke player to be selected for England.”