BIO
Rugby has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first started playing rugby at Lincoln Rugby Football Club when I was just four years old. What started as something I did as a young child has developed into a passion that has stayed with me for over 12 years.
Rugby has always been a big part of my family as well. I have two brothers who both play rugby, and I was brought up in a house where rugby was always on the TV. Rugby has also allowed me to meet some of my best friends. One of the things I am most proud of is that after all these years, I still genuinely love playing rugby and want to continue improving.
When I first started playing, I played in the back line, beginning on the wing before moving to fly half and then centre. As I got older and developed as a player, I eventually moved into the forwards. I now play mainly at flanker and lock. Moving through different positions has helped me understand different aspects of the game and has made me a more versatile player. I have played rugby for Lincoln Rugby Football Club as well as representing my school.
One of my biggest achievements so far was being awarded the Under 16s Most Improved Player last season. I was proud of this because it showed me that the work I had been putting into my rugby was paying off. I am now moving into Colts rugby, which is an exciting new chapter for me.
Rugby has also given me the opportunity to give something back to younger players. I have volunteered as a coach for the U8s, U10s, U11s and U15s. Coaching younger players has taught me a lot about leadership, communication and patience. It has also allowed me to help young players develop their own skills and hopefully enjoy rugby as much as I have. Being able to pass on things I have learned throughout my own rugby journey is something I really enjoy.
One of the biggest influences on my rugby and my life has been Ryan Dolan. He trusted me, saw potential in me and gave me an opportunity to develop. He has become much more than just a rugby coach to me. He has given me advice about rugby but also about life, and over time he has become a father figure. I am grateful for the belief he has shown in me and for everything he has taught me both on and off the pitch.
My friend Isaac Londregan has also been a big inspiration to me. He has been through a lot of hardship but continues to push through and never gives up. He gives me advice about how I can improve my game, pushes me to my limits and encourages me to never quit. Seeing his determination motivates me to keep pushing myself, even when things become difficult.
As a rugby player, I believe some of my biggest strengths are my explosiveness, tackling and lineout jumping. I enjoy the physical side of the game and like being able to make a real impact against the opposition. I want to be difficult to handle in contact, make strong tackles and carry the ball with power. As a flanker and lock, I also enjoy competing in the lineout and using my athleticism to win possession for my team.
At the same time, I know there is always room for improvement. I want to keep developing my strength, fitness, skills, rugby knowledge and overall game. I am willing to put the work in to improve these areas and become the best player I can be.
My biggest motivation is my determination to reach my end goal while still enjoying the journey. I want to play rugby at the highest level I can compete at, but I never want to lose the enjoyment that made me fall in love with rugby in the first place. For me, rugby is about competing, improving, winning, making memories and having a good time with the people around me.
Outside of rugby, I am lucky to have a loving family who always pushes me to be the best person I can be. Their support means a lot to me and helps me keep working towards my goals.
At 16 years old, I know that I still have a long way to go. I have already spent 12 years playing rugby, experienced different positions, played for my club and school, coached younger players and made friendships and memories that I will never forget.
As I continue into the next stage of my rugby journey, I am excited to see where the game can take me. Whether that is through club rugby, university rugby or another opportunity, I want to keep working hard, keep improving and continue challenging myself. Most importantly, I want to never quit and continue loving the game that has been such a huge part of my life.
