ISLE of Wight rugby talent, Rory Taylor, has joined the senior set-up at London Irish.

It means the England under-18 fly-half is being integrated into training with the first team, taking a step closer to a potential first senior involvement.

A student at Wellington College, Rory has been involved with the Hampshire RFU set-up, as well as Vectis RFC.

He joined the Exiles as a 13-year-old, advancing through the DPP programme and being awarded a sports scholarship in Berkshire – one of the country’s elite rugby-playing colleges.

He learned the sport on the Island, starting with Vectis RFC at the age of six, before joining London Irish and Ryde School.

Last year, he was named in the England U18s squad to take part in a summer tour of South Africa.

He has gone on to pick up eight England age-grade caps, slotting the winning penalty for his county’s sole win during the summer tour, and kicking three vital points to finish the 2023 Academy League final for London Irish.

Last month Rory, together with teammates Kepu Tuipulotu and Ralph McEachran, was included in the England under-18’s squad to take on France.

Head coach, Jon Pendlebury, named 12 debutants in the squad and Rory was including in the starting line-up.

His side lost narrowly by 24 to 29.