Thorne can’t wait to wear the Red Rose of England in Cardiff

He is one of 11 new caps in the side to face their Welsh counterparts at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, kick-off 1.30pm.

The 21-year-old, who lives on a farm in Eaton Bray off the Harling Road, has been named at full-back and can’t wait for what will be the pinnacle of his sporting career to date.

He said: “I have always followed rugby since a young age but pursued other sports until recently.

“The privilege to put on the Red Rose will be my biggest accomplishment to date and playing in the Cardiff Arms Stadium will stay with me forever.”

Thorne, who went to Stoke Mandeville Primary School, is in his second season with Dees having not played since 2003 as a junior at Leighton Buzzard.

He is grateful to the support he has received from all those at Bidwell Hill too.

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