POCKLINGTON rugby player Lewis Wilson has already had the chance to meet one of England’s greatest flankers at Twickenham and now he plans to follow in his footsteps by playing on the hallowed turf.

Wilson met World Cup winner Lewis Moody at ‘the home of rugby’ after being selected for the Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport programme.

Like Moody, Wilson is a flanker and the 17-year-old is targeting an appearance at the home of the England rugby team in the future.

Though the Pocklington School student admits his biggest source of inspiration comes a lot closer to home.

“The people I train with everyday are the biggest motivation for me because I see how hard they work,” said Wilson, who was recently named Academy Player of the Year at Yorkshire Carnegie.

“When you see professionals you don’t see how hard they work to get there but when you see these people all the time you do.

“For example [England Under-20 international] Josh Bainbridge is the same position as me and I see him every day pushing on and it always helps me as I try to get ahead of him.

“But listening to Lewis Moody was good, especially as he plays the same position as me, so it was good to have a chat with him” Wilson said.

“It was good to do it at Twickenham too, the home of rugby, and hopefully I’ll be here playing at some time in the future.

“My biggest achievement so far is getting in the England team in the Under-16 and Under-17 age groups and hopefully I can make it to the Under-18s this year."

Wilson is still based in his hometown and says the additional financial support from Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport will help make things easier for his family as he travels to Yorkshire Carnegie regularly.

However, recent times have been far-from plain sailing with the teenager’s development stalled by recent injuries.

“I’ve struggled with injuries with my foot and shoulder but hopefully I can crack on now,” he added.

“I’m just glad I’m fit now so I want to get a few games under my belt and then push on to the England Under-18s side and hopefully go away to South Africa and play in some cup competitions. Fingers crossed!”

* Lewis Wilson attended the Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport workshop, mentored by ambassadors Lewis Moody and Maggie Alphonsi and SportsAid patrons Danny Crates, Bryan Steel and Kerri-Ann Payne. For more information visit sportsaid.org.uk