FORMER Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School student Martin Corry will lead England in this weekend’s Six Nations rugby union match against Italy.

Corry has been selected to take over as captain from Jason Robinson, who will sit out the match with an injured thumb. Martin’s father, David Corry, of Byng Road, Tunbridge Wells, spoke of the family’s pride at his selection to skipper the national side.

He said: “It certainly wasn’t expected but we’re obviously delighted. Martin has turned it around over the last six months – he’s had quite a few ups and downs during his career and it’s nice that he’s on an up at the moment.

"Whenever he’s had a disappointment in his career his response has always been to work harder.” Corry, 31, has 35 international caps but the number eight has struggled to retain a regular slot in an England squad blessed with gifted back row forwards in recent years.

He said: “It is the ultimate honour and I am thrilled. Each week, we are making small steps up – and all I need to do is try to help make that ultimate step, which is winning matches.”