DEVONPORT Services’ Lagi Tuima, Lizzie Cole and Jess Thomas have been selected for the South West Academy of Rugby’s under-18 squad.

Tuima has only been playing rugby a year after starting training with Services in January 2015.

She said: “It’s amazing how something that started off as a spontaneous gesture could come so far so soon.”

Back-row forward Cole has also been selected with eight other girls of her age group from the whole of the South West to be become a part of the England Talent Development Group.

Cole, who has captained Devon, said: “I am really looking forward to the South West season where we are scheduled to play two matches against the Canadian under-18s squad.“

“I want to say a big thank you to Devonport Services for their encouragement and guidance since I have been with them.”

Thomas, who is studying at Bicton College, added: “I’m currently studying and playing rugby at Bicton college and playing club rugby for Services. This South West Divisional season is my first time at this level and I’m hoping that it will be as successful as I’ve been at Devon and club rugby.”