A DREAM has finally come true for York rugby league veteran Adam Endersby - a tour spot representing his country.

Endersby, the York Acorn ARLC stalwart, has been selected for the International Bulldogs team that will compete at the prestigious Dubai 7s rugby union tournament next week.

The Bulldogs, who will play in the over-35s 10-a-side International Vets competition at the famous rugby union extravaganza, are made up of league players turning their hand to the other code.

The player-coach is ex-Batley forward Sean Richardson and his assistant is former York City Knights player-boss and Super League star Paul March.

Endersby - who had spells at League One level with Gateshead Thunder and hometown pros York City Knights in the 2010s, the latter under March - has previously played at amateur international level for BARLA Great Britain Under-23s, the GB Community Lions and the English Lions, but he has never been on tour.

He came close when selected to go to France with the Lions only to withdraw due to family commitments, while he also made the train-on squad for a tour to South Africa but just missed the final cut.

He admitted "getting goosebumps" that he was now to don a GB shirt of sorts abroad.

"I thought that was my chance gone and I'd never get to tour," he said, referring to those France and South Africa near misses.

"I've been fortunate enough to play for Great Britain and England but it's always been a dream of mine to go on tour representing my country.

"Then I got selected for this.

"I also didn't realise how massive it was until the tour manager explained what it was all about and how big it is over there."

Endersby, 35, was selected for Dubai after a trial session in Wigan and a practice match against Morley RUFC.

The squad fly out from Manchester on Sunday afternoon, returning eight days later.

They face the Moscow Lads and Jinns Exiles on the opening day of the tournament next Thursday, with their final group match against Mo Bro Veterans 24 hours later.

The quarter-finals will be held on that day too, with the semi-finals and final taking place on the Saturday.

Endersby has had to finance the trip himself, and is grateful to the "wonderful support" from Acorn for helping him find the necessary £800.

"They've helped me out massively," he said. "The club are so important to a lot of people. It's very family orientated and it means a lot to me."