Young star earns call-up

Edward Twyman to represent Eastern Counties squad

A PROMISING young rugby player from Royston has been selected to represent the Eastern Counties U14 team.

Edward Twyman, 14, who plays for Royston Rugby Club, was among nine players from the youth side that attended a trial to represent Cambridgeshire – of which seven made the grade – but the full-back impressed so much that he also earned a call-up to the Eastern Counties squad.

His coach at Royston, David Ayliffe, who plays for the senior side, has expressed his delight at the news and says he deserves the recognition he is getting. “I am really pleased for him,” he said. “Ed has worked very hard as this is only his second full season of playing rugby and he is now seriously considering making rugby his career.”

Ayliffe was also keen to stress there are a number of talented youngsters within the youth ranks – including those selected by Cambridgeshire: Jacob Boyce, James Meecham, James Shannon, George Howard, John Busher and Ben Ireland. He believes the future is bright for not only the players, but the club itself. “Royston Rugby Club is becoming a breeding ground for new talented rugby players,” he added.

“I think it is a huge result, seeing a small local club have a huge amount of talented players competing against larger and more prominent local clubs like Shelford, Cambridge and Letchworth.

“We made a personal commitment to our boys at the beginning of last season when they started playing 15-a-side that we wanted to create an environment on and off the pitch where the boys can continue to develop and become better players and better young men.

“We are very pleased with the goals our boys are achieving, as are the parents and everyone involved with our team.

“It is a real privilege being a part of these young men’s lives, particularly in these times when they are becoming young adults. Our boys are all very grounded and they all respect each other. Every single team member has played their part in our successes.”