THE number of York youngsters in the country's junior rugby league elite has risen to four following confirmation that Ross Divorty is in the England Under-16s Youth squad.

The New Earswick starlet celebrated his recent 16th birthday by joining former All Blacks team-mate Danny Allan in the 22-man squad, while, as reported by the Evening Press last week, Chris Peace and David Leeke have followed their lead by winning selection to the national Under-15s squad.

Divorty, who like Allan was in the U15s squad last year, went through the same selection process as his three peers this year, via regional, county and national camps, to be picked once again for the elite group. And on top of that he captained one of the two trial teams at the national camp and was awarded a "top gun" gong for his inspirational efforts.

The England U16s squad will now play France in two junior internationals at Easter.

Divorty is the son of former Great Britain international Gary Divorty, who coaches the team he currently plays for, All Blacks U17s.

Divorty junior, a pupil at Archbishop Holgate School, is also on a scholarship with Super League giants Hull, while it is rumoured that two more clubs are looking to sign him on professional Academy forms next year.

Proud mum Jackie said: "He eats, drinks and sleeps rugby league."

Scarborough-based Sam Millward who is on scholarship with Hull FC is also in the U16 training squad.

There are 22 players in each squad although they will be reduced in the new year with the U15s moving to an 18-man squad and the U16s cut back to 20 players.

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, December 07, 2004