IF work experience is a taste of things to come for James Davies, then the 15-year-old New Milton rugby player has a wonderful future.

While other pupils at the town's Arnewood School were sending off letters to businesses in the area to try to get placements, Davies went straight to the top - and asked if he could join the Welsh national rugby squad.

Officials were so impressed with the youngster's initiative that they invited him down for a week and even agreed to entertain him and his mum, Mandy, the week before Wales took on arch enemies England in the Six Nations tournament.

James said: "It was the most amazing experience of my life.

"The players, management and attached staff were so friendly and helpful, they made me feel I was part of their team.

"They have given me even more drive and ambition to aim for the career I've always dreamed of. I cannot thank them enough."

Swansea-born James and his mum were put up in a top hotel in their homeland and had special invites to the huge international clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Winning try scorer Shane Williams handed over his shorts to James after the historic victory and they now make up part of a shrine in the teenager's bedroom.

The work experience week topped off a terrific year for James, who represented Hampshire under-15s and regional and national tens.

He also turned out for Welsh Exiles (London Welsh) before being included in the Wales development team.

His mum said: "We were there at the match and went back to the changing room afterwards. They are really nice lads and to us they are just ordinary boys.

"This has given him an immense amount of enthusiasm and he wants to go on and achieve what they have done."