The son of one of England's most famous sportsmen, cricketer Ian Botham, could be about to make his international breakthrough - for Wales.

Liam Botham has been selected for the Welsh rugby union training squad, following an impressive season on the wing with Cardiff.

Coach Graham Henry is to name a huge group on Tuesday for training ahead of the Six Nations, and he has revealed that Botham will be included among the 70-plus names.

But the move by the Welsh is likely to spark a tug-of-war to secure the 22-year-old's services.

Botham does not qualify for Wales until next November and he has made no secret of the fact that he would prefer to play for England.

England coach Clive Woodward insists he is charting the player's progress, but if no call-up comes, Botham would consider the Welsh offer.

"I am still English, so that's who I want to play for," he said, "but we will have to see what happens."

English legend

If it does come to a decision between England and Wales, Botham Snr is likely to offer his son some worldly advice, following a glorious cricketing career that elevated him to a legendary status in British sport.

"I think he's in quite a remarkable position," said Ian Botham, a fervent English patriot, who is in South Africa to cover the cricket Test series.

"But he has to think it over carefully - it's not a decision to be taken lightly or on a rebound.

"What is important now is that he sits down with all the interested parties and has a chat with them, because there has been a lot of hype in the press lately and it's all coming to a head.

"What's important is that he lets the dust settle. It's a big decision and one that's been sprung on him a little bit."

'Come and join us'

Later this year Botham will qualify for Wales on residency terms, because he has spent three years in Cardiff since moving from West Hartlepool.

Graham Henry is hopeful Botham will take part in the training session - particularly because it will not harm his chances of eventually playing for England.

"We are going to include him if he wants in the trials in two weeks' time," he told BBC Breakfast News.

"Playing in a trial does not stop him playing for anyone else.

"It is only once you have played for the A team or the full team you cannot switch. But he's making the move in that direction."