USA name Economics student Louis Mulholland in Rugby World Cup training squad
University of Bath student Louis Mulholland says it is a “huge honour” to have been named in the USA’s 50-man training squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The first-year Economics undergraduate is one of four scrum-halves selected by Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin in the build-up to the eagerly-awaited competition, which is now less than 100 days away.
Mulholland earned his surprise call after impressing with the Junior All Americans and is now determined to secure a place in the final World Cup squad.
“The news of my selection in the 50-man squad for the Eagles was a complete surprise,” he admitted.
“For me the World Cup squad wasn’t even on my mind but since hearing the news it’s all I’m working towards.
“It’s a huge honour and one which I won’t take lightly. As a kid growing up the World Cup was something you always looked forward to seeing and now being actually part of it is somewhat surreal, it still hasn’t sunk in.
“I’m delighted to have been picked by Mike Tolkin and his team, and am looking forward to training hard, competing for my place and the future prospects and opportunities.”
Aaron James, Head of Rugby at the University of Bath, said: “It is an outstanding achievement for Louis to be named in the 50-man squad.
“That means there are now three players involved with Bath University Rugby in the wider World Cup Squads – Louis and Bath University coaches Rob Webber (England) and Dom Day (Wales).”
Assistant coach Dom Tripp added: “Louis has been a key member of the Bath University Rugby Club in his first year of studying.
“His performances keep going from strength to strength and as a club we are proud of Louis’s inclusion into the wider USA Eagles Squad.
“He carries the support of all the club and we hope he makes the cut for the 30-man squad. There will be a number of his team-mates making the journey to the USA games if he does!”
Mulholland was born in Salt Lake City, Utah before moving to Cuffley, in Hertfordshire. He played for England up to under-18 level and was an Academy player for Saracens.
The USA Eagles start their World Cup preparations with the Pacific Nations Cup before playing a series of friendlies.
Among their opponents will be Australia, who will train at the University of Bath in the build-up to the tournament.
The Webb Ellis Trophy will be coming to the University of Bath on Monday, July 13 during the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.
The Sports Training Village will be the first stop on day 33 of the national tour, with the famous silverware on display from 8.30-11am.
It will be greeted by a flash-mob dance which will be filmed and could feature in the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup, which is taking place from September 18 to October 31.
People are invited to join in the routine, choreographed by Fleur Hoefkens and Dan Martin, and be among the first people in Bath to get their pictures with the trophy.
The dance routine can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZJ1DJm8hDM
Thank you to Judy Teasdale for the photo of Louis Muholland in action for the Junior All Americans
