SAM Miller says he is honoured to lead England Counties Under 18s at this week’s Tri-Nations Tournament in Ireland, writes JACK JOHNSON.

The 17-year-old from Warborough, near Wallingford, was selected as captain after impressing in two recent training camps.

Miller, who gained a rugby scholarship to Harrow School as an under 16 player, will lead England today against France U18 Poles Espoirs in Dublin.

On Saturday, they take on Ireland U18 Clubs and Miller cannot wait to skipper his country.

He said: “When my coach told me I would be captain I was lost for words, I didn’t know what to say or think.

“It felt incredible to be recognised as a leader in such a strong squad.

“I also really felt the pressure of the captaincy, suddenly I had to lead by example and there wasn’t any sympathy for mistakes.”

The No 8, who has represented Oxfordshire and played for Wasps Academy, is planning on taking a gap year after finishing his A Levels, before going to university to study chemical engineering in 2017.

But playing professional rugby is very much on his radar.

Miller said: “It’s definitely something I’ve been thinking a lot about.

“If the opportunity to play professional rugby was there it would definitely be hard to turn down.”