Christ College – INTERNATIONAL RUGBY UNION CAP FOR JAMES

12 Aug 2016

1ST XV STALWART, JAMES NEWEY, FROM BRECON, HAS HAD AN INCREDIBLE SEASON WITH NOT ONLY A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH BRISTOL RFC BUT HIS FIRST INTERNATION CAP FOR IRELAND U18S.

It’s been a great season for one of Christ College’s 1st XV Rugby squad, No. 12, James Newey.   1st XV Captain Alex Ryan and James have both represented Bristol Academy in the U18 Premiership Academy league, and both were given the honour of captaincy. James also represented the Bristol ‘A’ side in a fixture against Oxford University.

James’ talent on the field also saw him snatched up by the Irish Exiles set-up last year and he toured Ireland during their tournament last August. James’ speed, strength and skill with the boot obviously caught the eye of the Irish National Team scouts when the call up came to represent Ireland’s U18s during their Five Nations Tournament over the Easter holidays.

James has become the first Rugby international Schoolboy at Christ College since 2002. During the Five Nations with Ireland, he played against England and Italy.

James’ rugby career continues to progress as he has also been given the opportunity of a 2-year professional contract with Bristol Rugby. His performances for the U18 Academy over the past 2 years and his involvement with the ‘A’ side have lead to this fantastic opportunity.

Christ College’s Director of Rugby, Mr Jon Goodridge said, “It has been fantastic to see James’ progress over the last 3 years of 1st XV rugby at Christ College. He has been rightly recognised and rewarded for his talents and to gain an international cap is something very special. His ball carrying ability along with his distribution skills make him stand out as a huge talent and he has a fantastic opportunity over the next 2 years with Bristol”

Christ College’s strong links with the Bristol Rugby Football Academy continue through Mr Goodridge’s professional rugby links.  Mr Goodridge said, “the development of the game of rugby at Christ College continues with the successes, not just of James and Alex, but the other boys who represented the likes of Crawshays again this season.  The strength and depth of the squad, with all the young players coming through, bodes well for the future.”