The boarder from Scone was selected into the NSW Country under 18s Gen Blue side which will take to the paddock against City this weekend.

Just the day before his last HSC exam at The Armidale School, Bell was the only New England zone representative to be included in the 25-man squad from around 80 who trialled at the Maitland Junior Rugby Club.

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The selection process hasn't been without its challenges for NSW Country JRU and Waratahs Head of Talent Management Andrew Cleverley with coronavirus causing both a shortened season and also placing limitations on travel for fixtures and trial opportunities.

Bell, the vice captain of rugby at TAS, was a member of the school's First XV team which took out the North West Regional Youth Rugby competition in September. His previous representative honours included being selected for Combined AAGPS Thirds last year, and before his time at TAS, with NSW Country under 16s and Central North.

"To be selected for the NSW Country team is an incredible privilege and a massive opportunity that I'm really looking forward to," he said.

"Playing against Sydney will be challenging as they will be a very strong team, but it's a challenge I know the country team will embrace as we look to win the match."

TAS Director of Rugby AJ Whalley said it was a "fitting reward for the time and effort Ed puts into all areas of his game".

"He is an exemplary role model for younger players and I wish him all the best this weekend," he said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Ed to pursue higher representative honours, considering Covid restrictions have significantly limited the exposure players have had to selectors. NSWRU have made a real effort to get out into the country and create pathways for country juniors, and this support has been well received."

The match will be played at Camden this Sunday with selectors eyeing talent for the NSW Under 18s team.