Sports student to represent Yorkshire at rugby

11th August 2010 12:57pm - Return to press releases

Photo. Sports student Ben Johnson.JPGBridlington sports student Ben Johnson has been selected to represent Yorkshire under-18s for the 2010/2011 season.
The 17-year-old, who has just completed the First Diploma in Sport at East Riding College and broke into the Bridlington RUFC first team last season, will tour Ireland with the regional squad from August 22.

Ben, who plays at centre, said: "It has been a great year for me, as I have represented my club's first team and won the Yorkshire Shield with them, and have been chosen to tour with the Yorkshire Terriers to South Africa and Namibia.
"Now, to be selected to represent Yorkshire under-18s is a great honour. This is a four-day tour which will be a great experience, playing against tough opposition."

Ben, who hopes to become a professional player or a gym instructor, was one of the top try scorers in the College team last season. The new season starts with a tour to Ireland this month before the Yorkshire team take on Lancashire, Cheshire and Northumberland in September and October. The final three matches will be observed by north of England and England selectors.

Ben has also been selected for the 22-day tour of South Africa and Namibia in 2011 with the Yorkshire Terriers RFC, the "Barbarians of English youth rugby". The trip will feature five matches, in venues such as Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Windhoek, as well as a sevens tournament.

Tutor Abigail Fearn said: "Ben is a talented player and his selection for the Yorkshire under-18s and the Yorkshire Terriers is a reward for all the hard work he has put in over the past year.
"We all wish him the best of luck during these representative tours and matches, and hope he catches the eye of the England selectors."

For more information about courses in sport or any other subjects at East Riding College, visit www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call 0845 120 0037.

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Notes to editors

A photograph of Ben is available. For more information about this press release, call Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 306612 or email [email protected]