Myerscough rugby student hooks international call-up

Connor Johnson is one of four Lancashire U18 players to be selected to play for England Counties 18 Group against Ireland at Ashbourne RFC near Dublin, in a two game series, on Wednesday 12th April and Saturday 15th April.

Connor was selected after representing the North Division 18 Group against their Midlands counterparts, in a final England Counties Trial game in front of Head Coach, Giles Hegarty, and the England Counties Management and Selectors.

This selection is the culmination of a process that began in February 2016 at an Under 17 County Trial, followed by three U17 County development games in the Spring, and then three North Division selection County games in the Autumn of last year.

18-year-old Connor, from Accrington, plays at hooker and is on the College’s Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Rugby Studies programme.

Steve Gough, Head of Rugby at Myerscough College, said: ‘’I am absolutely delighted for Connor. He has worked so hard to get this chance playing for England Counties.

‘’His work ethic in both training and playing had given him the opportunity to be selected and well done to the coaches at College who have all had an input to preparing Connor for this. 

‘’It's particularly pleasing to see boys who have come to Myerscough on the rugby course with no real background of playing in representative or Premiership academy sides succeed in achieving the highest honour. 

‘’It's also pleasing to know that we are doing the right things as a college to help these young athletes achieve.’’

Lancashire U18 rugby manager Stuart Kohler, said: “Over the last four years we have enjoyed three Lancashire players being selected for England Counties each year. To have four selected in 2017 is fantatsic news and a testament to Head Coach Dan Orwin (Myerscough College lecturer, foundation degree Rugby Coaching), his Assistant Coach John Young and the superb back-up team we have created for this group.

“It is also a reward for all the hard work, sacrifice and dedication by each individual player, and proof that you can achieve your rugby goals if you believe that you can, and listen to the good advice of those around you.’’