Chris, 18, from Woy Woy Bay, was picked after outstanding performances playing for the North West Metropolitan team in the Combined High Schools championship at Wagga Wagga in June.

In October of last year, Chris played at a national level against New Zealand.

Chris had recently joined the Eastwood team in Sydney and plays for their junior team, the Colts.

Proud mother, Mrs Marian Comerford, said her son’s first year with the Colts was a difficult one.

"He was still doing his HSC which made it a little harder," she said.

The Colts reached the final against Gordon only to lose in a narrow match.

Chris was delighted with his selection in the Australian squad of 30 for the eight-week tour.

"It is always a dream to play for your country," said Chris.

"It will be a tough tour, eight weeks is a long time, but I am looking forward to it."

"We should do well against the Canadians and the Welsh, but the English and the Scots have good teams," he said before the tour.

The tour also involved matches against county teams.

The Australians opened their tour in Canada with a win over the Canadian side 63 – 13 and remained unbeaten in their twelve matches.

Chris returned home in late January.