Colwyn Bay Rugby League Football Club 2005/6 - News

TEST CALL UP FOR OLD COLWYN LAD

The Colwyn Bay Rugby League Football Club has produced its first player chosen to receive full international representative honors at rugby league.

James Thatcher will gain his first cap for the Wales RL team against Ireland RL in the Student Rugby League Four Nations Championship in Manchester on 10 April. James lives in Old Colwyn and is a former pupil of Eirias High School
and a current member of Colwyn Bay first XV. 

James, aged 21, is in his final year of a Sports and Physical Education degree at the University Wales Institute in Cardiff (UWIC) and hopes to continue next year with a Masters degree in Performance Analysis. He began playing rugby league with the Conwy Celts just three years ago but over the last twelve months earned his place at full back or wing in the UWIC club team that competes in the top division of student rugby league James commented, " I have thoroughly enjoyed my rugby league career, its unlike anything I've ever played. It's faster, more physical and I am in the best physical condition of my life - I have to be. The boys, the teams, the atmosphere make it exhilarating to play. There's nothing better than putting in a huge tackle and then getting to return a kick for a huge gain. Now I am
looking forward to the Student Four Nations in Manchester and helping Wales to retain the championship."

Colwyn Bay Rugby League Football Club  Head Coach Gerard Keenan remarked, "This is a great honour for the club as well as James. There can only ever be one first Test player. James fully deserves his call up because he has worked terrifically hard. We are enthused by the development of his rugby skills whether for rugby league or rugby union." James added, "In the long term, I would like to take rugby league as far as I can and perhaps get a spot in the Celtic Crusaders RL Academy, looking to
play first team or to gain a regular place within Glamorgan Wanderers Rugby Union Premiership side."

Anyone wishing to support James and the Welsh team should contact Gerard
Keenan on 07785-284518