The Gloucestershire All Golds Rugby League Academy will be launched on Wednesday April 4 in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire and World Club champions Leeds Rhinos.

Gloucestershire has been especially chosen because of its fine rugby traditions and the many great players it has provided to the sport of Rugby League since the days of Queen Victoria.

In the first ever series deciding International at Cheltenham on February 15, 1908 England included ‘Mad’ Arthur Smith from the Forest of Dean and Gloucester man William Holder.

In fact the latter was adjudged to be England’s man of the match in the Gloucestershire Echo report on the day.

Another of Rugby League’s great test matches was the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in Sydney, Australia on July 2nd 1914 when a brave England team overcame Australia despite finishing the game heavily depleted through injuries.

Gloucester provided three of the great heroes that day namely Alf Wood, Dave Holland and Billy Hall. In more recent times Ken ‘Tug’ Wilson joined the Oldham club from Gloucester.

Jordan James, who learned  his Rugby League with Gloucestershire Warriors, is now starring for Salford City Reds in the Super League and played for Wales in last year’s  Four Nations competition. 

Jordan James said: “One of the best decisions that I made was to take up Rugby League. To play in front of large crowds and in international fixtures is what every sports person aspires to. Rugby League is perfect for those who are athletic with handling and running skills and who enjoy physical challenges.”

Date: Wednesday April 4 
Venue: St Peter’s RC School, Gloucester
Timings:
9:00am – 12:30pm U14s
12:00pm – 3:30pm U16s
3:00pm – 6:30pm U18s

To ensure that the scouting system is as fair as possible, each player will be issued with a shirt to wear throughout the day.

The talent Identification scouts will not be informed of a player’s name, school or sports club and the final squad will be selected on their performances on the day. The day will consist of Rugby Union 7s, core skills stations and Rugby League 9s.

This will give scouts the opportunity to observe each player’s core skills such as their speed, agility, ball handling etc. Our talent Identification team will consist of scouts from the Gloucestershire All Golds academy and Leeds Rhinos.

Barrie McDermott, formerly of Great Britain, Ireland and Leeds Rhinos and currently Director of Development at Leeds Rhinos, points out: “We are aware of the amount of rugby talent in Gloucestershire and that many of the players are ideally suited to the sport of Rugby League.

“The plan is to create a pathway so that young rugby players in the area can progress to full professional status if good enough.”

Leeds Rhinos will be bringing down the Super League and World Club Challenge trophies and Ronnie the Rhino. All of which will be available for photo opportunities. Professional players and coaches will also be in attendance.

Everybody who attends the trial will be given a goody bag which will include gifts from sponsors such as a FREE ticket to the Easter Monday clash between the Leeds Rhinos and the London Broncos.

Transport will be provided at minimal cost and parents can attend for the discounted price of £10 per ticket.

For more information please contact us at rob.webber@ugrl.co.uk