TJ, Ren and Will’s Bath Rugby Academy Success
TJ Shearer, Ren Elliot and Will Wright have been a full part of the U15 Bath Academy PDG programme this academic year, training frequently on a Wednesday night.
TJ had been selected for the U16 pre-academy resulting in high level additional training on a Monday as well as gym sessions at Farleigh House every Thursday. This resulted in him captaining the side at Bath’s Stadium the Rec, an amazing experience for all involved. As well as scoring a try under the posts, he really did himself proud, tackling hard, rucking ferociously and showing exactly how high is potential and current ability are. From a young boy who had hardly ever touched a rugby ball prior to joining the school, to one of the most exceptional players in the academy, he really has come a long way. The extra time, effort and repetitive practise he puts in outside of training sessions is second to none, and he fully deserves every success he achieves. He has now got into the main squad for the U16 Bath Academy and will be undertaking pre-season with the U17 Academy from 28 June this month. A huge thank you to Jason Helas at JDT for sponsoring him in relation to travel and gym memberships.
Ren and Will have been key parts of the PDG squad this season which resulted in a Tournament win at Newbury RFC against all the other sites. After four games they played a must win final game, in a ferocious battle of attrition in both attack and defence. They ended up winning one try to nil and clinching the title for the second year in a row. Ren has improved amazingly this year, having transitioned to tight head prop and was key part of the team throughout the season, dominating in the scrum and disrupting the breakdown. Will has developed excellent control from the 10 shirt, kicking well into space and creating lots of attacking opportunities. His defence has also massively improved, being one of the stand out fly halves in the tournament. Both Ren and Will have been kept on within the PDG Bath Development programme next year as they are seen as high potential. Well done both boys.
Above all a massive thank you to all parents, teachers and coaches involved in all three students journeys so far. Having three boys play such a high level of academy rugby is exceptional for Purbeck School students and not seen ever before. The future is bright, the future is blue, black and white. Mr Tarbard
