A Ron Dearing UTC student has been signed by Hull Kingston Rovers to pursue his rugby passion in the club’s Under 16s team.

Harry Wilson, 15, has been offered a scholarship by the Robins after he was spotted by a talent scout during a match for his current club, West Hull Under 16s.

The Year 11 student currently plays in the number 9 Hooker position and hopes to take up a similar position when he starts his new sporting venture in the east of the city this month.

Harry, who has played rugby since the age of nine, said: “I’m really happy I’ve been approached and offered this chance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it has given me a confidence boost and my family and friends are so excited.

“A talent scout saw me in action and said they wanted a defensive Hooker who isn’t scared to get stuck in, which is great.

 

“It’s really important to have an education as well as playing rugby, which is why I wanted to come to Ron Dearing UTC. You need skills and knowledge under your belt and you can’t just be good at rugby.

“I’m really interested in Engineering and I’d like to stay on in Ron Dearing’s sixth form, learning alongside my rugby scholarship. I can’t wait to get started.”

Harry, who said he will also continue playing for West Hull in the short term, will train with the Under 16s on the 4G pitch at The Marvell College in east Hull each week, as well as training in the gym at the Hull College Craven Park Stadium, the home of Hull KR.

He will follow a healthy diet and learn the importance of nutrition and exercise as part of his scholarship, setting him up for a positive start in rugby league.

Harry said: “You have to share what we eat and you’re rewarded for looking after yourself and eating properly. We’ll be playing against strong teams and it’s important to look after your health.”

 

Steve Willacy, Head of School at Ron Dearing UTC, said Harry has a bright future ahead of him.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud of Harry for securing this scholarship and it will be a great opportunity for him to pursue a sport he’s really passionate about.

“Sport promotes great physical and mental health and we encourage our students to embrace opportunities such as this to broaden their horizons in addition to their school lives.

“Harry is very committed to his schoolwork and we have no doubt he will excel in rugby too. We wish him all the very best.”