Black Country boy to jet-set off for Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rhys Jones, aged 14. will take on the 11-hour journey with his family on October 9 after winning the DHL Rugby Moments that Deliver competition.

Visitors to the company's website voted for the youngster, from Wordsley, after his selfless act of helping another player up following a tackle.

And now his efforts have been rewarded with the chance to walk out with the players from England and France when they face each-other on October 12.

The two teams will clash at the Yokohama Stadium to an audience of thousands and his family will be among those watching.

Rhys said: "I can't wait, it's brilliant – absolutely amazing.

"I've always wanted to do something like this and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Everyone has been really happy for me and really supportive, but I'm sure I'll be nervous in front of so many people."

Rhys will be with his father, his 46-year-old mother Victoria and 12-year-old brother Will at the event after they snapped up some last minute tickets.

The competition covered Rhys and Gavin for the travel and hotel stay, but didn't cover his other family members – which led to the 40-year-old having to queue for five hours online for extra match tickets.

The family forked out for travel, tickets, and a hotel so everyone could watch.

"We didn't think we were going to get tickets for them," he said.

"We were absolutely made up because they would've had to watch it from a fan zone five-and-a-half miles away.

"This will make it even more special."

Gavin added: "It's a massive mix of emotions. I'm proud, nervous and excited and Rhys is a bundle of nerves – he'll be in front of around 70,000 people on the day.

"Rhys is just taking it all in his stride at the minute – it will not sink in until we get to the stadium.

"He's a little bit nervous but he's a mature lad for 14."

The youngster will be jetting off from Birmingham International, heading to Amsterdam where they will catch a connecting flight to Tokyo.

And on the way back, the journey will be slightly longer – travelling via Paris to reach the UK in a 12-hour trip.

"I've got no doubt jet leg will get us," the 40-year-old rugby coach said.

"We leave at 9.15am on Wednesday and we arrive just after nine Tokyo-time, so to us it will be around 9am on Thursday.

"It'll be quite tiring but we hope to be settled down come the match.

"To see your lad on the pitch with the England players will be amazing – he will go through the tunnel with the players and he will be stood with the referee for the national anthem – which is a once in a lifetime experience."

Rhys, who currently plays centre – or number eight – for Walsall Rugby Club, said it was a "big shock" to win.

Rugby coach Gavin, originally from Walsall, said his son was a "naturally talented" rugby player due to his height – being over 6ft 2 – and being quick as well.

And the 14-year-old is following in his father's footsteps by playing at the club.