Myerscough welcome Dutch counterparts for training camp and fixture

Rugby Academy ZuidWest was founded in 2008, to offer rugby talents from the South-West Netherlands region the chance of a top sports career in rugby.

This week, the group used Myerscough as a base for training, theory and analysis sessions, before playing a highly competitive fixture with the College’s U18 side.

Phil Leck used to be Director of Youth Development at Myerscough College and oversaw the inception of Myerscough’s Rugby Academy in the early 2000s. He’s now the Head Coach and Technical Director of Rugby Academy ZuidWest, and led the Dutch group during their tour.

Phil said: ‘’Youth rugby is growing in the Netherlands significantly. The World Cup this year will also help. Professionalism and elite sport has an affect too.

‘’Back when we started the rugby programme at Myerscough we identified that there were plenty of talented young players with nowhere to go. We started with just three players and it’s grown and grown over the years.

‘’The ACE League is a very good level. The staff are very committed and passionate about what they do.

‘’We’ve already sent several students to learn at Myerscough, and hopefully some more will follow.’’