Last updated at 12:19, Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Cockermouth prop Johnny Goulding is set to turn out for BARLA Great Britain Under-23s in Jamaica today – three months after his season looked to be over.

Back, from left, Johnny Goulding, Clayton Sutton, Sean High and Ross Gainford. Front, John Paul Brocklebank and Paul Corkhill

Goulding had been earmarked for the tour before dislocating and fracturing his ankle in the Cumberland League opener against Maryport.

But having not played since the injury he believed himself out of contention when he took a phone call from the GB coach shortly before the tour launch telling him another player had pulled out. The following day he passed a fitness test and was told he was on the plane.

“It was only a week or 10 days before the tour, so really short notice, but he was over the moon that he could go,” said Paul Henson, Cockermouth chairman.

“When he got the injury he didn’t think there was any chance whatsoever. He had still been doing weight training, but when he found out he did a lot of running and cycling.

“Paul West, at Intrim, in Workington, really put him through his paces, and he’s really grateful.

“He won’t be match-fit as he hasn’t played any rugby, but he’s got himself kind-of right.

“He’s young and brave, and never takes a backward step. Once he has five minutes on the field he’ll be spot on.”

He will be joined in the team to face Jamaica Collegiate All-Stars by Egremont’s Paul Corkhill, who also passed a late fitness test to feature on the tour, after breaking his leg 10 weeks earlier.

Scrum-half Ross Gainford of Kells, and centre Clayton Sutton both touched down in the 52-10 win against Jamaica at the weekend, his Egremont team-mate and playmaker John Paul Brocklebank, the tour captain, adding four goals.

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk