West Cumbrian duo Andrew Beattie and Paul Farrell have taken the first step towards selection for next year’s European Touch Rugby Championships.

The pair have been named in the High Performance Training Squads for Men’s Masters, for Over-35s.

Beattie, a former Workington Town and Whitehaven centre, has moved up an age group and is hoping to add to his collection of caps.

“I made the decision to move up a level this year,” said Beattie.

“I have been playing for the Over-30s but have pushed up to Over-35s as I’m 36 now.

“There is a World Cup in 2019 in Malaysia and I think I will have a better opportunity at Over-35 than pushing for the younger teams.

“But it is just nice to be selected.”

The Aussie-born player admits it is special to him to play for England, as he believes it is a tribute to his British family.

“A lot of people ask me what it’s like to play for England as an Australian but it’s really nice for me,” he added.

“My wife and kids are all from here, so I feel like I am playing for them rather than me.”

He said travelling to training with Farrell would make the long trips easier for both of them.

“I have played in the 30s senior championship and Paul in the Over-35s, so it is nice that we will now be in the same squad,” said Beattie, who has 10 caps under his belt.