A DAD is preparing to pull on the England shirt and make his debut for the national wheelchair rugby team ten years after he broke his back and was left paralysed.

Mason Billington, from Rayleigh, is overjoyed after being selected to represent England in Saturday’s wheelchair rugby league international against France.

The 29-year-old only picked up the sport and started playing this year and has quickly risen up the ranks before being spotted by the national team.

Mason, who plays for the London Roosters, broke his back in 2014 after a serious accident at work.

This left him paralysed from the waist down, and in a wheelchair.

It took Mason a few years to get used to living with his disability before deciding to try out some wheelchair sports.

He ended up playing wheelchair basketball for five years before, eight months ago, trying out wheelchair rugby league.

He began playing in Brentwood before being selected to join the London Roosters – and he hasn’t looked back since.

Mason said: “It has been a rollercoaster of a year.

“The first couple of years I was lost, but then I met my partner, and had my two kids. I then found wheelchair sport and my life has been on a journey since.

“I would have never had the opportunity without the accident, so everything happens for a reason.

“It has been so hard, but the hard work has paid off and sport has changed my life.”

The match takes place on Saturday in Wigan at 2.30pm.

Mason couldn’t quite believe his luck when he was selected, admitting it was a silver lining following the accident.

He added: “I was shocked to be selected for the squad, but I have already learnt so much from everyone.

“I never imagined this. It is a dream to represent England, to wear that Three Lions shirt.

“I didn’t think that would ever be possible before, let alone after breaking my back.

“People have believed in me, and I just want to keep getting better and better.

“Every cloud has a silver lining. I just can’t believe it. I am over-the-moon, it is a dream.”