Academy continues to produce talent
Aug 7, 2019 20:46:47 GMT
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Post by Communications Team on Aug 7, 2019 20:46:47 GMT
Current Academy players Adam Collingwood and Lewis Bilbrough and recent Academy graduate Harry Dawson look set for 1st XV involvement this weekend.
Skilful scrum-half Adam joined the Academy four years ago at the age of 16 from Sutton Coldfield and has invested considerable time and effort into his game. At both u18 and u20 age groups Adam has represented the club at county level with North Midlands. After leaving the BMRC College Academy, Adam took up a place at Hartpury University, where he is studying for a degree in Sports Coaching. Adam’s determination to achieve his ambition of being a pro rugby player is highlighted by his commitment in travelling up from Gloucestershire for training sessions and this latest step in his progress is well deserved. Outside of rugby, Adam is highly proficient in Karate and Kickboxing; clearly not a conventional no.9 who needs his back row to look after him…
Lewis also arrived at the club at age 16, though from Stratford RFC. Now a hard-working and hard-tackling back row, Lewis played at scrum-half in his earlier rugby career and exhibits many of the skills needed in that position in his play today. Since converting to back row with our Academy, he has represented Warwickshire u18 and u20 during his time at BMRC. Having missed a significant part of last season due to injury, a tough rehab programme followed and a return to play was possible for the last few games. Currently studying with the Open University alongside running a fledgling ground works business, Lewis shows every indication that he has the grit and resilience needed to progress in a high-performance environment. His promotion to the wider first XV squad is hard-earned and well merited.
Harry developed through our mini and junior section as a 2nd row/ back row and transitioned to the academy direct from u16s five years ago. Following an unfortunate early-season knee injury at age 17, he missed a considerable period of rugby whilst returning to full fitness. This was especially unfortunate as he had been selected for Midlands u18 trials at the time of the injury. Undeterred, his resilience and hard work in recovery was rewarded when subsequently selected for Midlands u20 trials two years later, having played for and captained N Midlands u20 that season. Whilst a totemic player with the Academy, more recently his development has continued at Moseley Oak where he was made captain in season 18-19. His strong performances in a difficult season for the team are now rewarded with this call up to first XV action. Following FE studies at our College Academy, Harry is currently studying for a Strength and Conditioning degree at University College Birmingham and when not studying, works as a Sports Coach in local schools through our Community Coaching Programme.
Academy director Simon Bartlett said “… Having watched them progress over a number of years, Adam, Harry and Lewis have worked extremely hard to achieve recognition from Adam Balding and Pete Glackin. Everyone in the Academy is delighted that they will have the chance to represent the club at first XV level on Saturday. Together with other graduates of our system, Morgan Dawes and Mick Stevens, the Academy will be well represented as we take on Caldy this weekend …”
Commenting on the three players, DoR Adam Balding said “… I have been impressed with all the boys. All three will play on Saturday; they have worked extremely hard in preseason and deserve to play …”
Skilful scrum-half Adam joined the Academy four years ago at the age of 16 from Sutton Coldfield and has invested considerable time and effort into his game. At both u18 and u20 age groups Adam has represented the club at county level with North Midlands. After leaving the BMRC College Academy, Adam took up a place at Hartpury University, where he is studying for a degree in Sports Coaching. Adam’s determination to achieve his ambition of being a pro rugby player is highlighted by his commitment in travelling up from Gloucestershire for training sessions and this latest step in his progress is well deserved. Outside of rugby, Adam is highly proficient in Karate and Kickboxing; clearly not a conventional no.9 who needs his back row to look after him…
Lewis also arrived at the club at age 16, though from Stratford RFC. Now a hard-working and hard-tackling back row, Lewis played at scrum-half in his earlier rugby career and exhibits many of the skills needed in that position in his play today. Since converting to back row with our Academy, he has represented Warwickshire u18 and u20 during his time at BMRC. Having missed a significant part of last season due to injury, a tough rehab programme followed and a return to play was possible for the last few games. Currently studying with the Open University alongside running a fledgling ground works business, Lewis shows every indication that he has the grit and resilience needed to progress in a high-performance environment. His promotion to the wider first XV squad is hard-earned and well merited.
Harry developed through our mini and junior section as a 2nd row/ back row and transitioned to the academy direct from u16s five years ago. Following an unfortunate early-season knee injury at age 17, he missed a considerable period of rugby whilst returning to full fitness. This was especially unfortunate as he had been selected for Midlands u18 trials at the time of the injury. Undeterred, his resilience and hard work in recovery was rewarded when subsequently selected for Midlands u20 trials two years later, having played for and captained N Midlands u20 that season. Whilst a totemic player with the Academy, more recently his development has continued at Moseley Oak where he was made captain in season 18-19. His strong performances in a difficult season for the team are now rewarded with this call up to first XV action. Following FE studies at our College Academy, Harry is currently studying for a Strength and Conditioning degree at University College Birmingham and when not studying, works as a Sports Coach in local schools through our Community Coaching Programme.
Academy director Simon Bartlett said “… Having watched them progress over a number of years, Adam, Harry and Lewis have worked extremely hard to achieve recognition from Adam Balding and Pete Glackin. Everyone in the Academy is delighted that they will have the chance to represent the club at first XV level on Saturday. Together with other graduates of our system, Morgan Dawes and Mick Stevens, the Academy will be well represented as we take on Caldy this weekend …”
Commenting on the three players, DoR Adam Balding said “… I have been impressed with all the boys. All three will play on Saturday; they have worked extremely hard in preseason and deserve to play …”