When Paddy Mullis started the junior section at Chosen Hill Rugby Club, he could never have known that one of the players would come through the age groups, sign academy forms at Gloucester and be selected for England’s under-20 World Cup squad.

That the player in question is his son Joe makes it all the more special for Paddy, who still coaches the under-11s and is a vice-chairman at the club.

Joe, a hooker, has already made a couple of appearances for Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and has been named in a 28-man England squad for the under-20 tournament in Georgia which runs from May 31 to June 18.

“He played against France and Wales in this season’s under-20 Six Nations and would have gone to last year’s World Cup but for injury,” said Mullis senior, who formed the junior section at Chosen Hill with Rory Spencer.

“He’s been in Gloucester’s academy since he was 14 and is now in their senior academy.”

Joe, 20 on April 27th and a former pupil at Chosen Hill School, started training with Chosen Hill Rugby Club at the age of six and continued all the way up to the age of 17.

Originally a flanker, he was converted to a hooker by England three years ago.

“It’s not been a problem for him,” said his dad, 47. “As long as he’s playing rugby he doesn’t mind where he plays.

“If you’re good enough at rugby they’ll find a position for you. It’s all about all-round talent. He’s an extra flanker around the park and that’s what they’re looking for.

“He’s had the best people teaching him how to throw in and he’s a quick learner.”

Paddy was a hooker himself, playing for Chosen Hill for 20 years. He still lives in Churchdown with his wife Lynn and boys Joe, Rowan and Leo.

Rowan, 16, has followed in Joe’s footsteps by signing for Gloucester’s academy. He’s a prop and Paddy says: “He’s been there three years now and he’s in the system.”

And young Leo is shaping up nicely in Chosen Hill’s under-11s under the watchful eye of Paddy. “He plays all over the park and just enjoys it,” says dad, who was checking out flights to Georgia just before talking to The Local Answer.

“The plan is to go out for the first two weeks and take in the pool games and then we’ll take it from there,” he said. “We’ve got a good record in the competition but it won’t be easy.”

Although the defending champions, England have a tough pool which also includes Wales, Samoa and Australia.

Win, lose or draw, Joe will still be seen in and around Chosen Hill Rugby Club next season.

“Everybody knows him, he’s down to earth and speaks to everyone,” said Paddy. “He’s got time for everyone. He still works behind the bar at the club and keeps in touch with his old school pals.

“He watches the 1st XV when he can and takes the little ones for rugby on Sunday mornings.”

These days the “little ones” number 120 over seven age groups, starting at six and going right through to 18.

It’s a far cry from Paddy’s first session with the juniors in the early noughties when just 11 youngsters turned up. Like his son, Paddy has come a long way.