DONALD BARRELL, the former Watford Grammar School pupil, will train alongside the likes of Taine Randell and Richard Hill next season after he was named as one of 11 Academy players in the first-team squad for the 2004/05 campaign.

The 18-year-old back-row forward, who made his debut as a replacement against Northampton Saints last season, was hand-picked by head coach Rod Kafer after consultation with Academy coaches Patrick Jerram and Mike Hynard.

Bushey-based Barrell, who will combine his rugby career while studying for a degree, will spend as many as four days a week with the squad at Hertfordshire University or Bramley Road where he will be joined by Academy team-mates Aaron Liffchak, Tom Mercey, Stuart Philpott, Ben Wickens, Dave Seymoure, Stephan Armitage, Adam Powell, Phil Ellis, Craig Wilson and Andy Edwards.

Although the clutch of exciting youngsters are couple of years away from pushing for a first-team spot, they will continue their development next season by featuring prominently in the Zurich A League.

"Being a part of the squad over the next 12 months will give these youngsters a lot of experience as they develop," explained Kafer.

"They will be with us for two or three days a week and feature in second team matches which we hope will give them the experience and skills that will see them push for a first team place."

For the full story don't miss this week's The Watford Observer