Eight Bath students on England Rugby League pathway after South West University squad selection
Eight University of Bath students have been named in the 20-strong South West University Rugby League squad for this weekend’s match against the South East.
David Belcher, Liam Cashman, James Exley, Ed McGuire, Conan Osborne, Jamie Park, Tom Plance and Joe Ring all impressed in trials and will be looking to do so once again in Saturday’s game at Maidenhead RFC.
The best performers from across the two regional squads will then represent the South against the North in an origin match, which in turn will be used to select the England Universities squad.
Adam Hughes, Higher Education Manager for the Rugby Football League, said: “It is a great opportunity for students in the region to showcase their talent on a wider stage and progress through the performance pathway.”
The majority of the University of Bath contingent have been signed by South Wales Scorpions’ newly-formed U20s development side, who recently had their first fixture against Bath & Wiltshire Romans RLFC.
Hooker Plance, pictured, is one of those players, having been a star performer for Bath & Wiltshire Romans during their debut season in the West of England Premier Division.
Fellow student Osborne, who operates in the centre or on the wing, represented English Universities at Union and is a recent convert to League. He has already been selected for the Jamaican Rugby League World Cup training squad.
Chris Chatten, Team Manager for the South West Universities Rugby League Squad, added: “The squad are looking forward to the fixture and we are looking forward to seeing our squad progress through the pathway.”
