Four Crusaders to Tour South Africa

By: Andy Houghton

3 Players and a Coach named in BARLA Under 19's Squad

Kenny Hughes, Matty Bell and Karl Sandford have capped their first season playing open-age rugby by being selected for BARLA Under 19's Tour to South Africa at the end of May. All three excelled for Lancashire Under 19's in the recent tri-series, under the guidance of Crusaders under 18's assistant Colin Phillips who has been named as Assistant Manager for the trip to Dave Roberts.

All three have represented the NCL and NWC teams this season and have caught the eye at whatever level they have been asked to play.

 

Article courtesy of BARLA website.

Newly installed BARLA International Youth Manager Dave Roberts has revealed his under 19’s squad that will tour South Africa later this year.

The 24 player squad jet out on 29th May to their base at Vanderbijlpark south of Johannesburg, taking in five games on their 16 day tour at five different locations, before returning on 13th June.

Mark Ballard (Leigh East)

Mathew Bell (Thatto Heath Crusaders)

Peter Cady (Wath Brow Hornets)

Tom Connick (Pilkington Recs)

Pat Foulston (Shaw Cross Sharks)

Ross Gainford (Kells)

Adam Gant (Westgate Wolves)

Matthew Huby (Wath Brow Hornets)

Kenny Hughes (Thatto Heath Crusaders)

Tom Hurdus (Saddleworth Rangers)

Zach Johnson (Shaw Cross Sharks)

Danny Jones (Leigh Miners Rangers)

Kurtis Marsh (Pilkington Recs)

Adam Masson (Shaw Cross Sharks)

Jack Murray (Egremont Rangers)

Daniel Rooney (Maryport)

Danny Rowse (Castleford Lock Lane)

Karl Sandford (Thatto Heath Crusaders)

Steve Scholey (Maryport)

Liam Thompson (Queens)

Alex Walmsley (Dewsbury Celtic)

Aston Wilson (Queens)

Carl Lewis Wilson (Kells)

Greg Worrall (Oldham St Annes)

 

Dave Roberts Manager

Colin Phillips Assistant manager

Garry Schofield Coach

Mark Robb Coach

 

Itinerary

29th May South Africa Schools Potchefstroom

2nd June South Africa Students under 20’s Pretoria

5th June South Africa RL under 21’s East Rand

9th June South Africa Junior Development Wellom

12th June South Africa Schools Vanderbijlpark

Roberts commented on the squad and forthcoming tour saying, “Having been lucky enough to tour South Africa previously when Yorkshire Youth visited the country, I see it as a great opportunity for all the lads who have been selected to represent their country.”

He added, “I see it as just reward for the commitment and hard work the players have shown for their respective clubs and counties. It’s a chance of a lifetime for these young men and I’m proud to be part of their achievement with BARLA.”

Dave continued, “All these players are from the top shelf and some will go on to enjoy a career in the pro game, for those who remain in the amateur ranks, I see it as just the start of their BARLA international career.”

Dave also commented on his management team saying, I’ve got a great bunch of blokes to work with. Colin (Phillips) has done some tremendous work with Thatto Heath and Lancashire, while Mark (Robb) is very experienced in youth rugby and was with Cumbria under 19’s county side. And Garry’s (Schofield) experience both on and off the field in a touring environment, will benefit us all.

Roberts has just a couple more appointments to make to complete his management team and he’s currently on the look out for a physio and a PRO person, on this he commented, “I need a top class physio and a PRO to complete the touring party. I’ve one or two people in mind but as yet I haven’t made a decision and I’m still open minded on the appointments.”

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