A driven and talented rugby player has been called up to represent Scotland’s Under 16 rugby league squad. Myles Michael, a Year 11 student at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, was signed up by the team after attending trials at the Bradford Bulls stadium in February.
Myles has been playing rugby since he was five years old, starting with Wensleydale Rugby Club where he played for eight years, before moving to Blackwell Meadows in Darlington to play for their Under 15 team. He was introduced to rugby league by a coach and after playing for Catterick Crusaders for a season, he trialled for Newcastle Thunder and was selected for their Under 16 team. Being half Scottish, Myles was eligible to trial for Scotland and is over the moon to be selected.
Myles said: “This is an amazing opportunity to be playing for such a high-profile team and to such a high standard – I really couldn’t be happier. It’s a great feeling and I am really looking forward to the coming months of further assessments and training and can’t wait to see where this season will take me. I have just spent a weekend training with the team in Edinburgh where we spent a lot of time practising tackling skills, it was a fantastic experience.”
By being part of the Scotland squad, Myles will not only be in with the best-possible chance to play against the home nations but he will also be participating regularly in a high-performance environment through training days during the season. During Covid, Myles had a period when he didn’t play and gradually lost his fitness levels but he really missed being on the pitch, the camaraderie and improving his technique and quickly regained his love for rugby. By going to the gym, running and eating a balanced diet, Myles was soon back to condition and he says that becoming a professional rugby player is now his dream.
After Myles completes his GCSEs in the summer, he is planning to study at Park View Academy of sport, based at the Riverside Chester-Le-Street. The Academy specialises in providing aspiring sportsmen and women with academic studies and progression in their chosen sport. All learners receive technical coaching, strength and conditioning and access to sports therapy and physiotherapy.
Jack Moore, PE Teacher, said: “This is fantastic news that Myles has been selected to represent Scotland Under 16 team and it is an exciting opportunity for him to continue to grow and develop as a rugby player. I am very proud of Myles and all that he is achieving and I wish him the very best of luck. This selection is very much deserved”.