Hendon Rugby Club’s second row lock-forward, Vytautas Pavilonis, has been included in Lithuania’s 23-man squad as they prepare to face Wales Dragonhearts at the BT Sports Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday.

The Lithuanian team ‘Lietuva Rugby League’ are looking forward to a highly anticipated match-up after making their competitive debut in August, where they were narrowly beaten by England at the London9s Rugby Festival.

Pavilonis, who has been crucial in Hendon’s success this year, has been turning out for the club for nine months after a five-year hiatus from the sport, scoring six tries in his last six games.

Hendon head coach Phil Smith said “Vytautas is a formidable talent on the rugby field and is fully deserving of his call up to the Lithuanian international squad. He will leave some big shoes to fill this weekend as we take on Thamesians, but we wish him all the best on his first international call up”.

The Lithuanian team’s aim is to progress enough over the coming months to be considered for inclusion in the Rugby League European Federation divisions, which would see the Lietuva Rugby League side compete against some of the finest sides in Europe.

Hendon RFC president David Gershlick added “The club is extremely proud of what Vytautas has achieved. He now joins a coveted list of Hendon RFC players who have represented their country at the highest level, including former England international coach Dick Best.

"We will all be shouting for Vytautas on Sunday; and we look forward to watching his development as an international player”.