Spotlight!
At Corpus Christi we have a number of talented youngsters who have already tasted international success. In this issue, 'Spotlight' is featuring our pupils on their journey and highlights their hard work and dedication required to be the best...
rhys carre, wales rugby u16
year 11
The Beginning
I started my rugby career when I joined St. Joseph’s RFC in Year 7. At first, we had training once a week and a game on Sunday. Other than a few matches for the school rugby team, St. Joe’s was my main source of rugby, until Year 9.
The Next Stage
In Year 9 I was given the opportunity by St. Joe’s to take part in a trial for Cardiff & District. The trial was a success; I received an email the following week revealing that I had made it. The next few weeks after that were full of energy sapping training sessions. I carried on playing for the District for the next 4 months, but then I had a decision to make. I had to choose whether I was going to carry on playing for the District or to take club and school rugby more seriously; I decided to stop playing for the District and never looked back.
Cardiff Schools
In Year 10 I had another trial but this time it was for Cardiff Schools U15. The trials took place over two days and again I received an email confirming my place in the squad. The following season was a great one as we soon formed a great rivalry against Swansea Schools which would prove crucial at the end the season. The season was split up into four groups of four teams with the winners and the runners up from each group put into two further groups of four. The winners of one group played the runners up of the other group which formed the semi-finals. Our rivalry with Swansea meant that we played Pontypridd. Unfortunately, we lost that game and were knocked out of the Dewar Shield. At the end of the season I received a Cardiff Schools Cap to mark my achievement.
The Present
This season I have been playing for Cardiff Blues U16’s. This has been the most enjoyable rugby season so far because of what is happening now. At the start of the season I was invited to play for the Blues. I have trained hard; normally twice a week to ensure I reach the
maximum potential in our games. Although we lost two games due to lack of effort and motivation we ended the season on a high as we won our last two games comfortably. In February, I received an email which said I had been invited to trial for Wales U16’s. I attended two training camps on the 15th and the 16th February followed by training every Saturday. On the 10th of March, following a nervous wait, I was told I had made the cut and was offered a place in the full U16 Welsh Squad.
The Future
On the 12th April I will be travelling to Wellington College in Reading for a seven day tournament with Wales (playing against Scotland, France & USA) However, this does not mean I have guaranteed myself a Welsh Cap. I will only gain that honour if I am included in the squad to face England a few weeks later.
In the foreseeable future I wish to be making progress in the Blues and Welsh set-ups.
Rhys Carre
Year 11
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