AN ex-Bolton School pupil was over the moon last week after making his first start for Sale Sharks in the LV Cup tie with Worcester.

Back-row forward Andy Hughes played for almost an hour in Steve Diamond’s sides 20-6 win at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The talented 18-year-old has tasted life in the first-team and showed his determination not to give up the number seven shirt keeping his place for last Saturday’s tie with Ospreys in LV Cup.

He said: “It was a dream come true and an experience that I will never forget.

“I was nervous but that was nervous excitement about getting my chance.

“I just got on with it and enjoyed getting as long as I did.

“I knew that most of the changes are made around the hour mark so I was glad to be involved.

“The pace of the game was different to what I was used to but I quickly adjusted and did my best. I just hope to be involved as much as I can and as long as we are in this competition.”

Hughes was one of the youngsters praised after the match by coach Diamond and the England Under-18 international believes his experience at Bolton School helped him on the road to success.

He said: “I can remember being there from Year 3 to Year 11 and have good memories there.

“I played rugby for the first team when I was in Year 11 and it was a great game against Audenshaw because I managed to get a try on debut.

“My time at Bolton School really started things off for me.”