A Worksop College student has been selected to represent England in the 2014 Touch Rugby European Championships in Wales.
Aaron Cawley, of Bardney, West Lindsey, will be competing for the Under 18’s Mixed Squad in a two day tournament which will run from 5th–6th August 2014, coming up against the likes of Italy, Scotland and France.
The 16 year old, who plays his club touch rugby for the Lincoln Touch All Stars, a team founded and coached by Michael Beard, admits he was shocked to hear the news.
“To be honest I wasn’t expecting a call up but when I found out I was absolutely ecstatic” said the teenager.
Mr Cawley said: “I went to the open trails on the 12th [October] and thought I did okay and by the 18th I found out that I had been selected as part of the squad. It’s a big step for me and I’m looking forward to it.
“My mum was so, so proud and has really encouraged me to increase my fitness and is pushing me to succeed.”
Cawley made special thanks to his coach at the All Stars, “I would never have known that touch rugby was anything else other than a game to warm up for rugby union with, but it is actually a complicated sport and I would definitely not have achieved what I have without Mike.”
Jake Hill and Alexandra Wallace, both teammates of Aaron’s at Lincoln Touch All Stars have also been selected for the squad.
All Stars coach Mr Beard, 29, commented: “It’s a great feeling to find out that I’ve trained Jake, Aaron and Alex to a national standard. It’s an honour and I hope Lincoln can continue to produce the same fantastic standard of players.”