DONALD BARRELL completed a fairytale fortnight when he was named in the England Under-18 Group Schools' team to face Ireland at Kingston Park on Friday.

The 18-year-old has been selected at number eight for the clash, which caps a remarkable two weeks for the Watford Grammar School pupil who recently made his debut for Saracens against Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.

Reflecting on his first taste of Premiership rugby, Barrell said: "I was obviously very happy to get on and it was a great experience, although I only got on in the final part of the match and I think it was a little bit too late to do anything by then."

After a season of schoolboy rugby, the reality of the Premiership was made plain to Barrell almost as soon as he entered the fray, as he was confronted with the indomitable figure of Saints' former All Black forward Andrew Blowers.

"It was physical very physical in fact. I had a little bit of time to get myself ready because there was a sin-binning before I came on and I knew that I was coming on after that. I just really wanted to try and make myself an impact. It is what I have been working for."

As debuts go, 77 minutes into a 24-3 loss was perhaps unremarkable, but Barrell still had time to offer a glimpse of his burgeoning talent when he showed a useful turn of pace to haul down Oriol Ripol, Saints' tearaway Spanish winger, despite giving him a start, to deprive the home side their fourth try.

"I was very pleased with how it went when I got on. I got a tackle in to try and get myself involved, because I knew that I only had about ten minutes to make an impact so I thought that I'd throw myself around.

"I got back and I was very happy to get the tackle in because it looked like he might have got through otherwise."

Barrell had no time to rest on his laurels as, on Sunday, he joined up with the England Under-18's squad for training ahead of their international with Ireland.

The back-row forward was given leave from his A-level studies to join up with Sarries' depleted squad for training ahead of the match, but Barrell, who admitted that it has been difficult to find time for his school work amid a heavy rugby schedule in recent weeks, is set to combine the two next year when, grades permitting, he attends a London University which will enable him to accept a two-year Academy contract with Saracens.