Scarlets star opts for England

Scarlets No.8 Ben Morgan has confirmed that he will be available to play for England, the country of his birth, and not Wales despite qualifying to represent both countries.

The 22-year-old would have qualified to play for Wales in the Six Nations on the three-year residency rule, but although he has played all of his professional rugby in Wales his allegiance remains with England.

He told the Guardian: "I feel privileged and honoured that both Wales and England have been following me. It has taken me a while to think over and discuss with my family before I came to the decision of where I'd like to focus my ambitions for the future.

"But I'm English, I grew up supporting England and as a youngster I always dreamt of playing for England one day. Ultimately, if given the opportunity at international level, I want to try and take things forward with my home country," he explained.

With James Haskell playing Super Rugby for the Highlanders during the Six Nations and Nick Easter rumoured to be on his way out as interim England coach Stuart Lancaster looks to put the emphasis on youthful rejuvenation, Morgan could well find himself pulling on an England jersey next month.

However, the young loose forward knows that only hard work will get him to the top and he is ready to prove his worth even if he does not feature in the Six Nations.

He said: "If I am lucky to be named in any England squad then fantastic but if not then I will knuckle down and work hard to get myself in a position where I will be.

"Right now it's about focusing on my rugby and putting my all into my career with the Scarlets with some big league and European fixtures ahead of us this month."