Ben White enjoyed a 21st birthday gift to remember with selection in England’s squad to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday.
Speaking about his inclusion, the Leicester Tigers scrum-half admitted selection brings a positive end to a rollercoaster season.
“It has definitely been an interesting and challenging season, and this chance is a positive ending to it,” said White.
The Tigers Academy graduate enjoyed a decorated age-grade career for club and country on his way through the ranks, including captaining England Under-20s during the 2017/18 season. Now he is involved in his first senior national camp ahead of an opportunity to run out at HQ.
White said: “This is a big honour and I’m excited for the chance to be a part of an England camp and play at Twickenham.”
The 2018/19 season saw White make 25 first-team appearances and enjoy a nomination for the supporters’ Young Player of the Year, as well as picking up the Players’ Young Player award.
“There has been a lot of challenges this season for us as a team, which has been a big learning experience as a squad in Leicester and for me individually,” he said.
Tigers team-mate Will Spencer has also been selected for the Quilter Cup clash with the Barbarians, and scrum-half White paid tribute to the entire Leicester squad for their part in helping the duo gain selection.
“It is a team game and individual opportunities come on the back of your team-mates and their efforts as much as your own,” he said. “It is definitely more special to do it with a team-mate and I’m sure Will and I will do our best to represent Leicester as best we can.”