Luke Eves has turned down the chance of a trip to the sunshine in Portugal to concentrate on his Bristol Rugby career.

The 19-year-old could have joined his England Under-20 team-mates on their pre-Christmas training break at Brown's Sports and Leisure Club on the Algarve.

But, having finally broken into the Bristol starting XV in the Guinness Premiership, the teenager believes his rugby education would be better served by staying with his club.

Eves said: "The England Under-20s left for Portugal on Sunday. I am not going on that trip.

"I would love to be with the England Under-20s but I think getting more game time here is more important for me at this stage.

"I am really enjoying it at the moment. I just want to keep it going.

"This time last year I was with England Under-20s in Portugal but it is more crucial for me to get game-time with Bristol if I'm in and around the first team squad.

"The weather is Portugal is better – but it is good to be around the first team squad at Bristol. I am happy.

"I am learning from being around Premiership players. You pick up things. I'm still 19.

"There's no-one better than (fellow Bristol centre) Neil Brew to help me along. It is great to be in the squad."

Eves, son of Bristol legend Derek, has enjoyed a terrific 2008.

He played his part as England Under-20s claimed a Grand Slam in last spring's Six Nations Championship.

He made his Premiership debut for Bristol in the latter stages of last season and scored a brace of tries in only his second start for the club, a 25-20 defeat to Saracens at Stadium:MK.

The former Colston's School pupil then helped guide England Under-20s to the final of the World Championships.

This term, Eves was an ever-present in the EDF Energy Cup campaign and has crossed the whitewash in the club's last two Premiership matches – including a last-gasp try against Northampton at the Memorial Stadium to secure Bristol's first league win of the season.

"I haven't had a lot of starts of the last few weeks so hopefully this will put me in good stead for the forthcoming matches," added Eves. "I have just been happy to be in and around the first team and the 22-man matchday squad.

"Obviously it is good to get the game time and the start against London Irish was a bonus for me."

Bristol remain bottom of the Premiership after eight matches, with an interception try from Irish denying them a second consecutive home win in the league.

But Eves believes Bristol are improving ahead of the club's return to league action at Worcester on Saturday week.

He added: "We were disappointed to lose in the way we did to London Irish because we deserved to win the game. But that defeat will definitely bring us together. Things can only get better.

"We have been improving in every game. Hopefully we can keep on that track."