A TAUNTON rugby star is celebrating after being capped to play rugby for England.

Taunton Academy student Kieran Verdan was selected to play for England in the U16s squad on April 12 and after a successful win beating Wales 34-0, he was presented with his first cap.

It’s not the first time the year 11 student has made rugby history either.

Kieran has represented Taunton, District and Somerset since the age of eight and was scouted for a trial at Bath Academy for the U15’s and has been there ever since.

It was while playing for Bath that he was selected to play for the south-west of England in three international games.

A spokesperson for Taunton Academy said: “This is very challenging for Kieran, he is managing to balance his rugby success with his GCSE exams.

“The Taunton Academy wishes him every success in both.”