Cumbria U18 Rugby Union trio make North Trials

11th November 2010

Following a tough County Season there is some positive news for Cumbria U18's as 3 of their players have made it through to the North U18 Trial at Leeds Carnegie's Kirkstall Facility on 19th December 2010. The players have been selected to attend the trial which will include training in the morning followed by a trial game in the afternoon as the squad of 35 is chosen for the training weekends. This number will be cut again leading to the Divisional Festival to a training squad of around 26 players, who will represent the North against; The Midlands, South West and London & South East in the England U18 Trials on the 18th-20th February 2011.

The players included are Joe Robinson (Sedbergh & Kendal RUFC), Leo Mercer (Queen Elizabeth School & Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC) & Jack Dawson (Cockermouth & Keswick RFC). Robinson and Mercer will be no strangers to the Representative Rugby pathway with the former representing England at U16 A Level and latter making the North Trial in 2009. Jack Dawson however will be treading on new ground but this is justly deserved following his excellent start to the season for Club and County. He has received praise from both his County and Club Coaches with them exclaiming that he is 'On fire' at present, a statement which will stand him in good stead when he attends the trial late in December.

Cumbria have had their players recognised over the past few years with several making it through to the North Trials but not many progressing beyond this. Robinson will be keen to stake a claim for representative honours at U18 Level and Mercer will be keen to make amends for just missing out last year.

"Leo was unlucky in 2009 as he unfortunately did not display his lightning pace and powerful running due to a lack of possession for his team on the day. These lads only get one opportunity and have to make the most of this snap shot of their ability. Joe is a big powerful boy and will be looking to show his athleticism to the selectors where Jack will be hoping to display his strong defensive qualities and more of his attacking flair. On behalf of Cumbria Rugby Union we wish the boys all the best and look forward to hearing on their progress" said Liam Nicholls RFU Rugby Development Officer.

The U18 Coaching Team have done an excellent job this year in tough circumstances; unavailability of players has hampered any continuity which could have been built, but it is credit to them that the players stuck with their patterns and 3 of the players have had their ability recognised and will be tested at the next level.

The U18 Coaching Team is; Russell Walker (Kirkby Lonsdale), Martin Grealish (Community Coach - Copeland) & Kieran Marshall (Community Coach - Barrow).