DONALD BARRELL is poised to become the first player to represent his home town club after he was named in the Saracens squad for the trip to Northampton Saints tomorrow (Saturday, 27 March).

The Bushey-based 18-year-old, who is in the final year of his A-Levels at Watford Grammar School, has been plucked from the Academy by head coach Rod Kafer after injury and international call-ups decimated the back row.

The number eight, capped by England at Under-16 and Under-18 level, has been named among the replacements for the Zurich Premiership clash at Franklin's Gardens and is relishing the prospect of testing himself at the top level.

"It's very exciting and a great opportunity for me," said Barrell. "I got a call last Wednesday to say there was a chance I might be involved, but it still came as a big surprise as I wasn't expecting a call up for a few years yet."

Should Barrell be summoned from the bench he would come face to face with Northampton's former All Black forward Andrew Blowers.

"It will be daunting but exciting at the same time and if I come on, I'm going to try and step up to the plate and show what I can do," he confidently said.

"Training has been physical and has been a big step up for me but Rod has just told me to get involved, get stuck in and enjoy it."

For the full story, don't miss this week's edition of The Watford Observer.