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Currently playing for Bath RFC, the former Highlands College student is one of only 12 players to have been selected for a series of sevens' tournaments which start in Dubai and ends in Scotland on 1 June, 2008.
During an uncompromising seven months of non-stop rugby, Banahan will by then have played in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and, finally, London before he returns to his home club, Bath, where he is already a popular player within the squad and with an extremely knowledgeable and vociferous crowd.
For his parents, Ann and Malcolm Banahan, Matt's progress has been something to treasure. 'Of course we're pleased,' said Malcolm. 'Matt has been presented with a wonderful opportunity. It's a rare opportunity for an Islander to be selected for his country.'
Earlier this year, top commentator and former England scrum-half Dewi Morris tipped Banahan to start for England in the Six Nations match against Wales.
The Jerseyman, who has starred in the Middlesex Sevens club tournament for the past two years, is currently playing for Bath. He represented the Hampshire under-18s and under-20s before being signed by the London Irish Academy and made the London and South East divisional side, a step down from the England age-group side.
Brian Ashton, now the current England coach, was instrumental in taking him to Bath, where he was taken out of the back row and placed on the wing.
He has also played in two Siam Cups for Jersey RFC as a 17 and 18-year-old.
In the meantime England's sevens' coach Ben Ryan, in announcing his 12-man squad to represent England at the IRB World Seven Series tournament in Dubai said: 'The squad is a combination of young talent and experience with lots of potential.
'Young emerging talent, (with the likes of) Matt Banahan, Anthony Elliott, Tom Youngs, Joe Simpson and Liam Gibson will be keen to show off their skills and earn their first England caps. With players like David Strettle, James Haskell and Nick Abendanon now holding England senior honours after being noticed in last season's tournament, it's a very exciting time for this squad. If these young players can perform and impress they have every chance of following in their predecessors' footsteps.'
Squad: Jack Adams (Gloucester), Matthew Banahan (Bath), John Brake (Northampton), Isoa Damudamu (Newbury), Anthony Elliot (Bristol), Ben Foden (Sale), Liam Gibson (Plymouth), Tom Guest (Harlequins), Simon Hunt (Ebbw Vale), Joe Simpson (London Wasps), Andy Vilk (Sale), Tom Youngs (Leicester).
Banahan is one of four uncapped players in the squad.
Published 19/11/07
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