England call for our man Coulbeck

May 23 2008 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER journalist Ben Coulbeck has gone from writing the headlines to making them after winning his first international call-up.

The 25-year-old fullback has been selected for England Counties – open to players below Premiership level – to tour the United States and Canada next month.

Ben, who works as a sports sub-editor at The Chester Chronicle’s Commonhall Street offices, played for Cheshire at Twickenham two years ago. But that honour has now been eclipsed.

The Manchester Rugby Club player said: “It’s the proudest moment of my career.

“Winning at Twickenham with Cheshire was special and helping Manchester go up this season was fantastic but to represent your country is what every player dreams of, a huge honour.”

Ben, of Northwich, has worked for The Chronicle since 2005 and played for Winnington Park and Macclesfield before winning promotion to National League One with Manchester last season.

England Counties will play two Tests against USA in New York and against Canada in Ontario.