Cristiano Ronaldo has been held up as the inspiration for England's new rugby generation as national coach Eddie Jones outlines the possible futures available to his young prospects.
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Twenty-one uncapped players have been selected in a provisional squad that has begun preparations for a summer series consisting of a second string fixture against Scotland 'A' on June 27 and July Tests against the United States and Canada.
Many will be jettisoned when the 34-strong group is revised but in the meantime Jones has told them to seize their opportunity.
And to illustrate his point he singled out Ronaldo, the Portuguese great who was raised in poverty and has gone on to become one of soccer's finest players - and is now the highest goalscorer in European Championship history after netting twice against Hungary on Tuesday.
"Eddie used the great example of Ronaldo, where he is and where he came from. He's a 36-year-old and the world's best footballer," England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot said.
"Look at where he's come from - it doesn't matter where you've come from, it's what you put in every day to be the best you can be.
"Our message to the young players is to grow and to be as good as they can be and use this opportunity."
Australian Associated Press
