Farnham Rugby Club academy coach Brennan Healey has hailed Oscar Beard’s attitude after the former Farnham and Alton junior player was selected for England’s 2024 Six Nations squad.

Beard, who plays his club rugby for Gallagher Premiership outfit Harlequins as a centre, will hope to follow in the footsteps of former Farnham junior players Jonny Wilkinson and Ryan Wilson and receive full international honours.

Beard, who has been part of the England pathway since under-15 level, had to withdraw from the training squad for the opening Six Nations game against Italy because of injury after suffering concussion in Harlequins’ European Rugby Challenge Cup victory against Ulster.

However, his maiden call-up to the England senior squad has been a big source of pride for Farnham.

“Oscar came to us from Alton Rugby Club when he was nine years old,” said Healey.

“He then worked his way up through the age groups with us.

“There were half a dozen players in Oscar’s age group who were very talented – flanker Will Trenholm is also at Harlequins and prop Archie van der Flier is in the academy set up at Leicester Tigers.

“Oscar continued to play with us up to the under-16s, but he was also involved with the Harlequins academy set up.

“Oscar always had a very good attitude. You need that to make it any sport. He also had the physical attributes that are needed.

“Those who get to the top need talent, hard work, the right attitude and the support of their parents and family. Oscar had all of those things in place.”

England have won their first two Six Nations matches, beating Italy 27-24 and Wales 16-14.