British Army soldier Semesa Rokoduguni set to make rugby debut for England against New Zealand

Credit: MoD

British Army lance corporal Semesa Rokoduguni is set to make his international rugby debut for England against New Zealand this weekend.

Fiji-born Rokoduguni, a serving soldier in the British Army with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who has seen action in Afghanistan, has been rewarded for an outstanding start to the season at Bath.

Semesa Rokoduguni pictured on tour in Afghanistan. Credit: MoD

He will become the first soldier to win an England cap since Captain Tim Rodber in 1999.

And England coach Stuart Lancaster expects the 27-year-old to take his chance in the injury-enforced absence of Manu Tuilagi.

"He is very composed and calm," said Lancaster. "He's dilligent, he's done his preparation.

"He has been on our radar for a while and there are a lot of stats that say he is topping every category.

"I'm delighted for Roko. Wing is an extremely competitive position, but he has pushed himself forward with his form this season and it's great to be able to give him this opportunity."

'Roko' pictured in an England shirt during an international friendly. Credit: PA

In 2011, Rokoduguni served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 Scots) in Afghanistan, driving a Mastiff amoured vehicle and undertaking foot patrols which regularly encountered small arms fire and saw a fellow serviceman seriously injured by an IED.