Rugby Success For Alex And James

This Saturday, two Christ College pupils will play their final game of the season for Bristol Rugby Academy against Worcester Warriors. James Newey and Alex Ryan have featured for the U18 Academy side against Wasps, Saracens, London Irish, Harlequins and Bath as part of the RFU Academy League.

Over the last 2 weeks James has captained the U17 side in their victory over Gloucester while Alex captained the U17 side to victory over Exeter Chiefs. The match on Saturday against Worcester acts as a curtain raiser to the final Championship game between the top two sides Bristol and Worcester who are both aiming for promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

Alex and James went through a series of trial days last summer to get involved with Bristol Academy and it is credit to not only their rugby ability but there fantastic attitude that has seen them progress this season and become regular starters for the U18 side. For both of them to be made captain of the U17 team is just reward for how hard they have worked throughout the season.

James has also been selected for the Irish Exiles team that play fixtures against Luxembourg and the Welsh Exiles in May and also all the Irish Provinces during a tour of Ireland in August. A very strong showing at Rosslyn Park led to James being invited to trials where he stood out as a top performer.

Director of Rugby at Christ College, Jonathon Goodgridge, said, “Congratulations to both boys on their achievements this season and being rewarded for their excellent attitude and hard work this season. The future looks bright for these two rugby talents.”