Weybridge Vandals teenager James Gulliver may have been tipped for a bright future in rugby, but the England U16 international has vowed not to forget his roots.

Blindside flanker Gulliver claimed club bragging rights on his debut as his side triumphed 34-0 over Welsh Schools – who named former Vandals club-mate Jordan Sakkas in their squad – at the Welsh National Centre of Sporting Excellence in Caerphilly.

Gulliver, who is part of Harlequins’ elite player development group, earned his call-up after impressing national selectors at the Wellington International Festival earlier this month, where Sakkas also caught the eye for his country.

The 16-year-old, son of former Vandals first team captain Stuart, is the first rugby player from his school – Halliford School in Shepperton – to play for England in that age group and the first Vandal to play international rugby.

He played his first rugby at Brownacres as a four-year-old, has Surrey county honours to add to his England cap and made his Harlequins U18 debut earlier this season.

Surrey Comet:

Star in the making: James Gulliver in his Weybridge Vandals colours

And, while he is concentrating on making the grade as a professional, a part of him will always be a Vandal.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to play for England, especially against Wales and to win so well was really pleasing,” he said.

“Next season I’ll be concentrating on Harlequins and hopefully I can progress through their academy, but deep down I’ll always be a Weybridge Vandal.”

Halliford School deputy head and former Vandals first team coach Richard Talbot, who made the trip to Wales to cheer on his student, added: “We’re all very proud of him.

“Everything you would want in a top player, he has.”