FROM Hare Lane to the Six Nations, Ben Foden’s sensational rise through the ranks of English rugby is finally complete.

The 23-year-old from Cholmondeley was this week the only uncapped player named in Martin Johnson’s elite England squad for the 2009 championship.

Northampton Saints star Ben started his career with Chester Rugby Club and is the first player to graduate from their junior ranks to the full England international set-up.

Dad Rob, who is head coach at Chester, is thrilled.

“There is no prouder father in the world than me right now,” he said. “It just goes to show that you don’t have to have a privileged background to make it in international rugby.

“Natural talent and hard work will reap their own rewards.”

Ben, a former Bishop Heber High School pupil, joins household names like Danny Cipriani and Phil Vickery in the 32-man England squad, which begins its Six Nations campaign against Italy on February 7.

The utility back came to manager Johnson’s attention following a string of fine performances for the Saints, who he joined from Sale Sharks in the summer.

He is profiting from the Saints’ decision to play him in his preferred position of scrum-half, rather than at fullback.

Ben, who played through every age group level at Chester from under 8s to the senior team, said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen.

“There are a lot of talented players in the Premiership and it’s a real honour to have earned selection.

“At the moment I’m enjoying my rugby and just want to be on the field every week in whichever position I’m chosen.”

Dad Rob added: “Now the hard work begins. He is in there and now he wants to force his way into a regular starting place.

“It is often thought utility backs struggle to establish themselves at international level, but Austin Healey played every position across the backs for England and earned 51 caps and was also picked for two British Lions tours. You can’t get a better international career than that.

“Ben will play wherever he is needed and will do what is required, but he has been picked for his performances at scrum-half because that is where he is best, at the hub of the game.”

England boss Johnson revealed this week that he had been tracking Ben’s progress for some time.

He was part of the England Saxons development squad which toured America last summer.

“The main thing with Ben is his ability,” said the World Cup-winner. “He is a fantastic player and we wanted to get him into the squad at some point.

“When Ben left Sale Sharks for Northampton Saints last summer we didn’t think it was the right time to put him in but we do now.”

Chester Rugby Club chairman Joe Youdan hailed Ben’s selection as “wonderful news”, adding: “He started his career at this club and it has taken him to the highest level.”

Ben’s older brother Tom plays at fly-half for Chester and will be in their team for tomorrow’s Midlands One match with Longton at Hare Lane.