Albert Portsmouth aiming to shine for England Counties

Cambridge star heading to Spain

Albert Portsmouth is eager to make up for lost time with England Counties this week.

The 24-year-old Cambridge player has been called into the representative squad for the tour of Spain, with matches against Euskarians (today) and Spain XV on Saturday.

Portsmouth was named on last season’s tour of Canada, but an injury in a sevens tournament meant he was ruled out on the eve of the trip.

So the centre, who can also play on the wing, is keen to pick up where he left off on the tour of Romania two years ago.

“It’s been nice to have another shot this year to go out to Spain and put everything to rest that I wasn’t able to do last year,” said Portsmouth.

“I spoke with James Shanahan (the head coach) over the last few months. I was there or thereabouts for the spring tour but didn’t have enough games under my belt.

“It will be really nice to do it again having done it before and missing out last year.

“It’s a massive honour to represent your country and I can’t wait to get out there.”

The England Counties squad is the highest representative honour for players in the National Leagues.

“It just means for the players that didn’t quite make it through the academy systems and as professionals you get to represent your country,” said Portsmouth.

“It’s perfect really and I can go into a squad I know what it’s about already. It will be nice to link up with them.”

He added: “You have to cherish it while it’s there and if it comes around again you have to make the most of it while it lasts.”

Portsmouth has been named in the starting line-up for today’s game, while Cambridge’s Dan Seal is on the bench.