Leeds Rhinos have reached an agreement with Widnes Vikings to sign England Academy international Sam Walters, 18, and loose forward Jarrod O’Connor, 17, from the Betfred Championship side for an undisclosed fee.

Walters impressed as part of the historic England Academy side that defeated the Australian Schoolboys in both Tests at the end of 2018, with the series clinching win coming at Emerald Headingley. He will become the eighth member of that team to be part of the Rhinos Academy this season. Walters started both Tests against the tourists.

His call up to the national side was reward for an outstanding couple of seasons in the Vikings U19s side as a hard running, tough tackling back rower having signed for Widnes from Halton Farnworth Hornets and attended Sts Peter and Paul Catholic College.

O’Connor is the son of former Great Britain international Terry O’Connor and played his junior rugby at Halton Farnworth Hornets, also the same club as current Rhino Richie Myler. Having attended Wade Deacon School he joined the Vikings when he was 16 and has been a regular in the club’s Under 19s team in the last two years.

Commenting on the signings Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said, “We are delighted to have agreed a deal with Widnes to secure these two young players. Jarrod clearly comes with a fantastic heritage in the game whilst Sam gained plenty of plaudits for his performances with England. They will get the chance to test themselves with our Under 19 Academy this season as Rob Burrow and his side look to build on last season’s Grand Final appearance. We are always looking to strengthen our club at every level. We have added quality to our Super League squad this season and, just as we did last season when we brought Callum McLelland back to Rugby League from Scottish Rugby Union, we are mindful that we must continue attract the best young talent as well for our Academy.”