AN up and coming rugby player pulled on his England shirt for the first time in an emphatic win against Portugal.
England’s A squad ran in 15 tries to beat their European rivals by 91-5 before a crowd of 15,000 at Leicester Tiger’s ground at Welford Road.
Harrogate-born Guy Pepper, a former Barnard Castle School student, wore the No 7 shirt with pride for an England debut to remember.
The Newcastle Falcons flanker was previously selected for England at U18s and U20s but was thwarted by injury and the COVID pandemic so never played.
He currently starts most matches for Newcastle Falcons and according to his father Martin he has used the season to develop a whole range of skills, including tackling.
Guy, 20, left Barnard Castle School in 2021 after securing a contract with the Falcons. He is also studying a degree in sport and exercise science at Durham University.
Martin, who is second master at Barnard Castle School and played at the top level of the English game, said: “It is fantastic that he is gaining recognition by being selected to play for his country. This is an important stepping stone and we are all looking forward to seeing where it leads.
“The professional game is a huge step up from school rugby and Guy has done well to use his time at the Falcons, and now England, to develop his game. He has had a very good season so far and it was great to see a contingent from Barney watch him play a significant role in England’s defence and attack.”
He will now return to the Falcons for the next friendly against Sale Sharks and to play in the remaining league games of the season.
