QUEEN’S College, Taunton, has cemented its position as one of the region’s leading hockey schools.

After three students recently played international hockey for England, three more – Rory Nicholson, Josh Fathers and Christian Jobson – have been selected for the boys’ U16 Junior Regional Performance Centre squad.

This now brings the total selected for the JRPC squads to 12, excluding the international players.

Earlier this month, Olivia Hoskins and Tim Nurse played for England U18 girls and boys respectively in a Test Series against Scotland while Tom Stevenson played for England U16 boys against Scotland and Ulster.

A fourth student, Ben Stevenson, is part of the England U18 squad with Tim Nurse but is currently injured.

The latest selections cap a season of outstanding hockey at Queen’s College.

The girls’ under-18 team were Somerset champions, West region runners-up and finished in the top six in the country at the national finals held at the Olympic Park in March.

The under-18s boys were ranked in the top eight in England and reached the quarter-finals of the National Boys’ Cup, losing narrowly to the eventual winners.

Director of Hockey, Ian Haley, said: “We are delighted to have a dozen players selected for JRPC – coming hard on the heels of some outstanding international performances, it’s great news.”

Hockey scholarships are available at Queen’s and anyone interested should contact the Admissions Office to arrange for a taster day and assessment with Mr Haley, who played for South Africa at the London 2012 Olympics.

From left, back, Elliot Fathers, Finlay Quaile. Middle, Fay Graham, Imogen Fairweather, Ayla Nethercott and Michael Nicholson; front, Rory Nicholson, Christian Jobson, Sam Wansbrough, Josh Fathers and Oliver Drummond. Not in photo: Anna Stillwell.