JACOB Wilson said it was an “emotional experience” to score a last-gasp try as England Under 18 Clubs and Schools earned a dramatic 23-23 draw with Ireland.

The Cokethorpe School pupil and Wasps Academy wing started on the bench for the clash against the Irish Under 18 Clubs side at Ashbourne RFC, Dublin.

But he sped in for his try with two minutes to go after being set up by hooker Tom Crozier and captain Freddie Gabbitass’s conversion levelled the match – which England had trailed 17-0.

Wilson made his England debut alongside fellow Cokethorpe pupil and Chipping Norton player Henry Purdy, also a replacement.

“It feels pretty special to score a try for England, it is quite an emotional experience, said Wilson.

“To get the draw after we were 17-0 down is amazing; it almost feels like a win which is even more satisfying.

“We played so well in the second half, we were driving the Irish back all the time and they were unable to provide ans-wers to the game we were taking to them.”

Wilson was disappointed not to start in Dublin, but made his mark when he came on.

He said: “I thought I’d over timed my run for the try, but Tom Crozier played the ball straight into my hands. I saw the try line and just went for it.

“It really doesn’t matter that I came on in the second half.

“I’ve got that try, what feels like a win, the shirt and knowing that I’ve played for my country that is just amazing all round!”

  • HENLEY College pupil Alec Hepburn has been named in England Under 18s’ 24-man squad for the FIRA semi-final against Wales on Sunday.

Wasps Academy front-row Hepburn will hope to feature in the match at Auch, France, which kicks off at 5pm.