Bishop Burton College student James Wright has been named captain of the England Lionhearts side that will face Scotland’s Bravehearts at Kingston Park on Sunday.
What is even more impressive for the 18 year-old is that the game will be his first ever International, and only his third game of competitive Rugby League, having only recently switched to the game from rugby union.
“It’s such an honour to be chosen to represent your country, so when I was asked to captain the team, I was over the moon.” said James, who is studying the BSc sports coaching degree at the College, in Bishop Burton, near Beverley.
“Straight away when the team was brought together it felt like we’d played together for years. The coaches were impressed with my leadership, I think, but we have some great leaders in the team so it’s great to get the call to lead the team out.
“Given I’ve not played many Rugby League games I do feel a bit of pressure but it’s mainly excitement. I’m counting down the days and can’t wait to lead the boys out.”
The game is a warm up to the Lionhearts’ tour of the Czech Republic later this month and will see the best college rugby league players from England taking on Scotland’s finest in a curtain raiser to the Newcastle Thunder match against Rochdale Hornets.