A TEENAGER is hoping to follow the path laid down by Ben Foden and become the second former Chester RUFC player to represent England on the senior international stage.

Rising star George Hymes has moved a step closer to making that dream a reality by pulling on his country’s colours for the first time.

The 18-year-old was part of the England under 18s side which lost 13-10 to Wales U19s in Newport.

Powerhouse prop Hymes caught the eye of national team bosses with his performance at Rodney Parade, the home of Newport Gwent Dragons.

Now the former Merton House and Chester King’s School pupil has to turn his attention back to club rugby.

Hymes is regarded as one of the top young talents in the Sale Sharks academy.

And next week, during his half-term break, he has been invited to train with the Sharks first team.

Hymes has returned to his home in Chester in readiness of his week alongside the Cheshire club’s Aviva Premiership stars.

He attends Hartpury College in Gloucestershire having formerly been a student at Ellesmere College in Shropshire.

Hymes is proud of his roots and regularly turns out for Cheshire and the North of England.

He played for Chester until the age of 14 when he was snapped up by the Sharks, who turned him from a No 7 to a prop.

Chester are facing an enforced National League Three North lay-off after their trip to West Hartlepool on Saturday was postponed.

Chester are not scheduled to return to league action until February 18 when Sandal are the visitors to Hare Lane.

Last weekend’s matches involving Chester 2nds, Helsby and Christleton also fell victim to the weather.