A WILTSHIRE teenager has received an England call-up – for his second sport.

Riley Ellis will represent his country at billiards in the Home Internationals in Leeds from August 11-12.

But the 18-year-old accomplished snooker player from Clyffe Pypard, near Royal Wootton Bassett, admitted that the three-ball game has always been just a sideline for him.

Ellis said: “I’ve always taken billiards as a second sport and a bit of fun so when I received the email inviting me to represent my country it was very much a surreal moment and not something I’d thought of ever doing.

“I feel extremely proud to be given the opportunity to wear the three-lions (badge) on my chest and I look forward to playing at the Northern Snooker Centre very much.”

Ellis, who is sponsored by Swindon-based Save On Tyres, was selected for the England C team after finishing in fourth place on the 2021/22 Junior Billiards Tour.

Last year he became one of the youngest snooker coaches in the country when he passed his Grade One World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association exam.

And earlier this year he won the Eastleigh & District Under-19 snooker title at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club, near Southampton, for a record fifth time in succession.