YORKSHIRE captain Emma Hardy has earned a place in the North of England under-15s rugby union squad.

The 13-year-old Easingwold School pupil has led the county to victories over Lancashire, Cheshire, Northumbria, Durham and Cumbria, scoring numerous tries and conversions.

That stunning form has earned Huby-based Hardy, pictured below, recognition from the Rugby Football Union in the form of selection for the North of England divisional programme.

Over the next two months, the York RUFC player will travel to Birmingham with the North of England to take on sides from the other three divisions in England – the Midlands, London/South East and the South West, in the hope of being spotted by the national selectors.

Emma’s father, John, said: “Emma has played at York Rugby Club since the age of six and wants to thank her junior club coach, John Atkin, and Easingwold teachers Paul Betts and Chris Tiffany for their encouragement and support.”