Photo L:R: Pocklington School 1st XV Rugby Team players Ben McNamara, Harry Matthews and Louis Sangwin
Three players from the exciting back line at Pocklington School 1st XV Rugby team have been selected for the Yorkshire Carnegie U17 Academy.
Lower Sixth Formers Ben McNamara, Harry Matthews and Louis Sangwin have gained sought-after places in the Academy, which is a stepping stone to playing professional Rugby.
Ben has been selected as part of the England Academy Programme, which draws and develops elite players with a view to them going on to play in the Premiership and for England. Harry is in the Gold Academy group and Louis is in the extended Academy squad.
They follow on from Ben Carlile who signed a professional contract this summer into Yorkshire Carnegie’s Senior Academy, Alex Todd who joined the Academy group last season, as well as Charlie Laudage who was in the U17 England Rugby Developing Player Programme (ERDPP) group.
The signings are a just reward for the students’ dedication to their sport, as well as the Sports Department’s individual focus and support. Our facilities include a professional standard Strength and Conditioning Programme to improve and maintain performance levels, as well as aid injury recovery. Staff work closely with external clubs in the interests of students’ wellbeing and progression.
Richard Wareham, Head Rugby Learner, Pocklington School, said: “These are really exciting opportunities for the three young men who have their chance to chase the dream of being a professional player.
“Ben has recently switched from the City of Hull RL Academy, Harry has come through the system as part of the ERDPP, Junior Player Development Group and now into the Gold Junior Academy. Both played regularly last season in the U18 team at School. Louis is a late developer from only recently and has quickly progressed to being part of the County team, to making his 1st XV debut and now into the Academy.
He added: “I am really pleased for them and for the School. We work in conjunction with club coaches to support every pupil – those who just enjoy their school playing days, those who want to continue playing at clubs when they leave, and also those who want to play professionally. We are achieving our goal of A and B team fixtures every week, but also a player who receives a professional contract every 2-3 years.
“Ben, Harry and Louis are playing exceptionally well for the School and we look to continue our unbeaten start to the season against Woodhouse Grove on Saturday leading up to our National Cup 3rd match against Ripon Grammar School in October.”