FORMER Kendal RUFC player Mark Wilson has been called up to the England national side for a two test tour of Argentina in June.

Wilson made his first appearance for Eddie Jones' squad when he featured in the 28-14 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday.

Currently plying his trade with Aviva Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, the Kendal-born flanker was the top tackler in the Aviva Premiership for the third season running in the Opta stats, and was shortlisted for Premiership Player of the Season.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Steve Whitehead, director of rugby at Kendal RUFC, was full of praise for Wilson.

He said: "It's great for the club and it's testament to the lad himself because whatever he received here he's used well and gone from strength to strength.

"He's a workhorse and that sums his character up. He's a real never-say-die kind of lad and I wish him all the best at the highest level.

"He's been knocking on the door of the England camp for a few years and this is very well deserved."

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards told the club's website: "Everyone at the club is delighted that Mark's form for us is being recognised by the England coaches.

"He has been a credit to the Falcons all season with a consistently high level of performance, and I have every confidence he will show well at the next level."

England tour squad

Forwards

Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs), Will Collier (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Dylan Hartley, captain (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps) Matt Mullan (Wasps) Chris Robshaw, vice captain (Harlequins), Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors), Tommy Taylor (Wasps)

Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)

Backs

Mike Brown, vice captain (Harlequins), Danny Care, vice captain (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish),

Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs), Nathan Earle (Saracens), George Ford, vice captain (Bath Rugby), Piers Francis (Northampton Saints), Sam James (Sale Sharks), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints), Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks), Marland Yarde (Harlequins)

Fixtures

Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan, 10 June, kick-off 8.15pm (BST).

Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao Lopez, Santa Fe, 17 June, kick-off 8.15pm (BST).