DROITWICH Spa high school student Ethan Priest is hoping to start on the road to top flight rugby after being selected for a respected academy.

The Year 11 student has been accepted into the England Rugby League Elite Players Academy, which is based at Loughborough University.

Starting in September, he will move to Loughborough to be a boarding student, following a BTEC Sport qualification.

He will also be making use of the excellent coaching and training facilities to further his career in rugby league.

The 16-year-old had some difficult decisions to make.

He was offered four exciting sport-related choices following his sporting prowess at the school.

He was given the chance to follow an academic and sporting excellence programme at Worcester Warriors rugby club, or go to Hartpury, or to Henley Colleges.

He said: “I am very grateful for all the support I received at Droitwich Spa.

“I’m very excited about my new challenge – moving to Loughborough.”