IT is going to mean a lot of hard work and no fair amount of pressure, but Jay Robinson is up to the task.

The Selby RUFC Under-14s player has been tearing up trees at Sandhill Lane this season and his reward is selection for Leeds Carnegie County Boys' Elite Player Development programme.

Just one of five players picked for the scheme, coaches at the club's Kirkstall Road training ground will give him the best advice in nutrition, skills and fitness.

It marks the latest development in what has been a soaring ascent up the rugby ladder for Robinson, who first got involved in rugby union at under-9s level.

He started out as a prop, but speed and an uncanny ability to read the game has resulted in him being shifted to the back row and the number eight spot.

Currently top try scorer for the U14s, it is an honour he has held for the entirety of his short career.

Leeds honours have followed his recent selection for the Yorkshire squad, after gaining North Yorkshire representation last October, and Robinson's dad Ged, who is the Selby side's team manager, reckons his son could have a bright future in the game.

"What sets him apart is that he has a hugely explosive turn of speed," Ged said.

"Even as a prop, he was able to outrun a number of wingers.

"I think it is very much an ambition for Jay to play professional rugby.

"He is absolutely besotted by the game and he has a huge passion and enthusiasm for rugby. Nothing can get him away from representing Selby and turning up on a Sunday.

"He puts his neck on the line and, although he's 5ft 8ins tall at the moment, he is one of the hardest hitting and hardest running."

Robinson junior is not the only arm representing the Selby/Leeds partnership. Diccon Edwards, the first team coach at Sandhill Lane, is the West Yorkshire side's academy boss.

There is a wealth of youth talent at Selby and Robinson's team-mates Josh Cruise, Jack O'Hara and Grant Nicholson also attended the Yorkshire final trials - narrowly missing out.

But now the hard work starts for Jay.

Ged explained: "It's hugely intense.

"He will be supported by nutritionists and working in professional conditions.

"He is in the county boys squad and trains extra at Leeds' facility at Kirkstall Road.

"If you are not performing, you can be dropped back down (into the county boys squad alone), so there is constant pressure there."

Mark Steward, Selby junior chairman, added: "All at the club are proud of Jay.

"His selection is appropriate recognition of both his talent on the rugby pitch and his commitment to fulfil his potential through hard work.

"Jay, I am sure, will be the first to recognise the support he has received to date from his team-mates and his coaches John Lintott, Doug Skelton, Glenn O'Hara, Mark Woolford and Team Manager Ged Robinson."