Magnus Lund, the Sale Sharks openside flanker, who took his first strides in competitive rugby with Kendal RUFC Minis, has won a cherished place in the England A side.

He is in the starting line-up to play France A at Bath tonight (Friday) as part of the Six Nations Championship.

Lund, aged 21, has firm connections with the Lake District.

His mother Ena lives in Staveley and Magnus was educated at St Thomas's and Windermere primary schools before attending Lancaster Royal Grammar School, where he captained the First XV and attracted the attention of Sale Sharks.

This season Magnus has earned a regular first-team place under the new regime of coach Frenchman Philippe Saint-Andre, and plays alongside the likes of England's Jason Robinson and Charlie Hodgson in the title-chasing Sale side So far he has already been a part of the successful England Sevens squad following representative honours for the national Under-18 and Under-21 sides.

After suffering a torn knee ligament injury at the end of last season, Magnus has improved his upper-body strength and at 16 stone, he has both pace and power.

The result has shown in some impressive displays for Sale, which have put him in the England picture and he hopes to be pressing for a first-team call-up next year.

His mother Ena said: "These are exciting times for Magnus. He is enjoying playing for Sale and is thrilled to win a call-up to be part of the England senior set-up."

It's a long way from when Magnus played for Kendal Minis as part of the Provincial Cup curtain-raiser at Twickenhambut he could just find himself back there soon wearing the red rose of England.