This weekend marks the start of the South of England student selection with trials being held in Bristol and London.  

The Student pathway for 2011 is an open programme designed to allow talented players in the South the opportunity to represent their region, and from that to progress to selection for the South of England, and then onto their National Team.

The programme is open to any UK male over 16 currently enrolled as a student at an HE or FE institution in the South West Region, or students originating from that region who do not have opportunities to join a regional pathway in their own region.

The South West trial takes place at Filton College in Bristol at 10.30am on Sunday.

Over the past two seasons the trials between the South East and South West have been keenly contested with both teams being made up from players from the super 8 competition as well as seasoned student internationals.  

This year a double header “origin” style series has been set up to allow the players to represent their region and impress the selectors.  

For the South West squad they will have a final challenge, a match against Leeds Rhino’s Academy, a game which will allow them the chance to play in front of the South of England selectors and also the Leeds Rhinos staff.

 South West Head Coach Karl Fearnley said “This is a fantastic opportunity for the guys and I’m really looking forward to a really close series. 

“Over the last two seasons we’ve had some excellent games with everyone giving their all in a bid for selection.

“This year there are real bragging rights up for grabs which should bring another dimension to the games.”

For more information please contact Karl Fearnley on karlfearnley@hotmail.com or South West Regional Manager Joe Catcheside on southwestoffice@rfl.uk.com 

Sunday 6 Feb – South West vs South East GAME 1 (Filton Academy – Wise Campus)

Sunday 20 Feb - South West vs South East GAME 2 (venue tbc)

Sunday 27 Feb – South West vs LEEDS RHINOS ACADEMY (Filton College, Bristol)

Selection for the South of England Students will be announced on Monday 28 Feb