Rugby Talent Ike & Harry To Toulouse

The rugby talents of Ike McCormick and Harry Shiel from Terra Nova School in Cheshire have been recognised in their selection to represent the Under 11 'Lambs' Team on tour to Toulouse in France. After a number of extremely competitive trials, the boys have been selected to play for what is effectively England Prep School, an exciting independent school initiative that allows boys from all over the country to play representative rugby.

Both boys played in team trials at Rugby School on 10 March, against teams from the South East, Midlands and the South West, and are amongst only 17 boys in the country to be selected for the Independent Schools Rugby Football Club (ISRFC) under 11 squad.

They have both previously been selected to play for The Lambs - the regional ISRFC team - and a call up to the national side is due to their determination, talent and hard work on the field.

They will both travel to Toulouse in April, where they will be part of the national team, training with their French contemporaries, and playing against pupils of equal standard during the tournament.

Howard McCormick, Ike's father, who runs the junior rugby at Sandbach RFC, commented: "The standard of rugby played at the regional championship was of the highest standard. Loose forward Ike was in bullish form hitting rucks and spoiling opposition ball, while Harry's blinding pace caused problems every time he had the ball in hand"

James Skea, Joint Chairman of the ISRFC U11 and U13 age groups said: "Congratulations to Ike and Harry on being part of an outstanding display of schoolboy rugby at the regional championships. After the event, ten coaches had a 90 minute selection meeting to select the tour squad, and it is with great pleasure that we invite both boys to be part of the ISRFC U11 squad to tour Toulouse in April 2013".

Mr Andrew Lewin, Headmaster at Terra Nova School, added: "This is a fantastic accolade for the boys. They are outstanding rugby players and this is rightful recognition of their abilities. It is a wonderful opportunity to go on a tour, play at the highest level for their age and who knows what the future holds for them both!"

As a reward for their initial selection, both Ike and Harry (and their families) were guests of Sale Sharks earlier in the season, and had a behind the scenes tour of the stadium. Sharks Community Trust would like to endorse all the comments above, send our congratulations to the boys on their selection and wish them both the best of luck on their forthcoming tour. We very much look forward to hearing all about it and to watching these two boys' rugby careers develop over the coming years.