Professional rugby player, Ewan Asham, who played for Sandbach Rugby Club and was a former student at Sandbach School, has been selected for the British & Irish Lions rugby union team.

Ewan, currently on tour currently in the Pacific with the men's Scotland national team, is joining the squad in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday (July 20th), following Scotland's final match against Samoa on Friday (July 18th).

The British & Irish Lions is a rugby union team selected from players eligible for the national teams of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Asham says he couldn't believe it when he was told the news and it "hadn't really hit him yet".

Both Sandbach Rugby Club in Bradwall Road and Sandbach School in Crewe Road have issued celebratory statements congratulating the former Sandbach player.

Sandbach Rugby Club's Director of Rugby Andrew Bird said: "Sandbach Rugby Club are extremely proud and delighted that Ewan is finally rewarded for his excellent performances for both club and country over the years and has now been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad.

"Ewan worked his way through Mini and Junior rugby at Bradwall Road before making his 1st XV team debut for Sandbach against Birmingham & Solihull.

"He showed enormous potential whilst still at school, and went on to make a number of 1st XV performances before moving on to Sale Sharks and eventually Edinburgh Rugby."

"Ewan continues to show his support for Sandbach Rugby Club when he can, and we are delighted to display one of his Scotland shirts in the clubhouse. We look forward to welcoming him back to the club as a British and Irish Lion."

Ewan Asham was a student at Sandbach School in Crewe Road. (Photo: Nub News)

Sandbach School has also congratulated Ewan.

"Massive congratulations to our incredible ex student EwanAshman who is now joining the British and Irish Lions tour.

"What an outstanding achievement — we're beyond proud of you, Ewan!"

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