ROYAL Wootton Bassett wing Liam Rowe is excited to have been called up to the England Deaf Squad.

The 25-year-old, who is completely deaf in his right ear, has been named among the replacements for theRed Rose’s upcoming match with Wales on Saturday.

This is not the first time Rowe has made the senior squad, making two appearances last year after a four-year break following the birth of his child.

England Deaf have included six new caps, five of them in the starting XV, for their international at Cardiff Arms Park, which kicks off at 2.30pm.

“I’m quite excited and very optimistic because the squad is doing quite well and we are playing well,” said Rowe after getting the news.

“It is quite a new look as well to the side with the new caps and I am looking forward to it.

“I played twice last year and had a four-year gap before when we had a child.

“Playing with the England side has helped me be a bit more focused on what I am doing and especially at looking at where I am going and what I need to improve on.

“I think being at Bassett is a good place to be because Alan (Low) as a coach is very professional and sets high standards which helps me to meet the standards for the professional side.

“I am quite excited and nervous at the same time because playing at Cardiff Arms, which used to be the home of Welsh rugby, is quite daunting but it should be okay.

“I hope to get on and make an impact when I get on but it will be a team effort from all the lads, we’ve all worked hard to get our place this year.”

Rowe, who has been partially deaf since a baby, has played rugby for 20 years, starting at Bassett before going to Hartpury College and returned to the senior team at Ballard’s Ash last year and has said that his disability has not held him back.

When asked if there was much difference between playing for a deaf side compared to his normal club rugby he said: “Not in terms of the playing calibre.

“I think all the players are as good but I think your spatial awareness and looking around for support has to be better because a lot of the players can’t hear you. You are more aware of your surroundings and you tend to look up and read the game a lot better.

“I am completely deaf in my right side and I have had it all my life it deteriorated from when I was a very young child.

“It is something I have not had to adapt to because for me it has always been the norm.”