Bercis on the fast track for Ireland

Bercis learned his rugby at OLs from the age of eight to 12 and also represented South Warwickshire before being spotted by Leicester.

He was taken into their elite player development group, but rejected on size criteria and is currently playing flank forward for Rugby Lions under head coach Neil Back, who himself was famously told he was too small to play for England.

At 6ft, Bercis is two inches taller than Back, who went on to win 66 caps for his country, but the Kenilworth School pupil’s future appears with Ireland.

Born in Leamington, Bercis qualifies for Ireland through a paternal grandmother who moved to the Midlands from County Mayo, and Latvia because his grandfather hailed from the eastern European country before setting up home in the UK as a war-time refugee.

Bercis, though, is certainly not confused about where his allegiances lie, having already been drafted into the Exiles, regarded as a fifth province made up of UK-based players.

He said: “Since I’ve been part of the Exiles set-up I’ve always wanted to play for Ireland, England hasn’t really crossed my mind.

“I am Ireland through and through. If that doesn’t work out I can always give Latvia a go.”

Commenting on his call-up, he added: “My dad told me and I had an email from Willie McGovern, the team manager. I was so excited I screamed and it still doesn’t really feel real now to be honest; I never thought I’d do it.”