APPERLEY Bridge teacher Joe Bedford has again been chosen to play for England Counties in two forthcoming internationals.

Bedford, who is head of boys' games at Bronte House – the prep school to Woodhouse Grove – has been picked to face Scotland Clubs at Fylde Rugby Club on Friday, February 27 (7.30) and France Federale at Perigeaux, near Bordeaux, on Friday, March 20.

The former Grove pupil was a professional for 11 years, representing Leeds Carnegie, Rotherham Titans, Newport Gwent Dragons and Doncaster Knights, playing over 200 matches overall before stepping down in 2013.

He now plays for Sandal in National League Three North. Bedford is also joint-head coach there and assists with the senior team at Woodhouse Grove.

However, it is his under-11 Bronte House team who will primarily be supporting him in Lytham St Annes as they missed out on watching him play for England Counties in Georgia last season – which was a little too far for a school trip!