Acorn forward selected for tour

York Acorn loose forward Tom Hill has been selected for the British Amateur Rugby League Association's South Seas tour later this year.

The 22-year-old will tour Fiji, Tonga and Samoa for three and a half weeks starting on 8 June.

Hill is the first full BARLA tourist from York Acorn since Darren Callaghan in 1998.

Hill told BBC Radio York: "It's the highlight of my career. When you're young it's what you aim for."

He has already represented Yorkshire at Under-18 level and open-age levels and he has played for Great Britain Under-21's and captained Great Britain Under-23's against Italy and he said he is looking to make an impact on the tour.

"It'll be brilliant when we go over there. I'm not just going for a holiday, I'm looking to play as many games as possible and hopefully get into a few test sides and get a bit of rugby played.

Hill began his career at Acorn as a youngster and he gave a lot of credit to the coaching set up at the club.

"I'm Acorn through and through. I've played in every age group. I've been loyal to the club and they've been loyal to me.

"I've really enjoyed all my years here, I think it's been about 16 or 17 years now so I've really enjoyed it and it's thanks to them and thanks to all the coaches."

The last player to be selected to tour, Darren Callaghan went on to have a career in the professional game and he is now coaching York Acorn alongside Tom's father, Alf who said he is very proud of his son.

"He's always given 100% and he has fully deserved his selection.

"I have a say whether he gets picked for Yorkshire but I don't have a say when it comes to Great Britain but he's obviously impressed them and I'm very proud of him."