WIDNES Vikings Academy players Ben Davies and Sam Walters have been selected in the England Academy National Performance Squad.

Ben Davies, 18, is a versatile player in the Vikings Academy system, and has operated in a number of positions during his time at the club, including fullback, centre, half-back and as a forward. Playing his community rugby at Halton Farnworth Hornets, whilst attending Wade Deacon High School, Ben has developed significantly under the coaching of the Youth Performance Staff.

Sam Walters, 17, is a strong, hard-working back-rower with a high skill set to match his determination and tenacity. Sam played his community rugby at Halton Farnworth Hornets, and studied at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College. He made an appearance for the Vikings in last year’s Festive Derby against Warrington Wolves at first team level, after impressing the coaching staff.

Phil Finney, Head of Youth Performance at Widnes Vikings, says: “Ben and Sam are both graduates of the Vikings Development Squad, and have an association with the club dating back to when they were 10 years of age.

“Ben has proved himself in a variety of positions during his time in the Academy. Sam is a conscientious professional, mature, and is a very skilful second rower. They are both talented players, who are getting their rewards for their efforts over the last few years.

"As a club, we always knew that these two players had the capacity and potential to perform at the highest level in the long-term, and the full-time nature of the Academy programme allows them to realise this potential. This international selection is the next step for both of them to continue that journey.”