A first team winning debut for Matt Davis marked the arrival of two more young rugby players as London Broncos doubled the number of Loughborough College names joining them in the capital.
The Summer Bash in Blackpool saw Davis, 18, join the first team for a win against the Sheffield Eagles – following his signing by the Championship side last year alongside Ben Grey.
Both players were given one year contracts fresh from completing a two-year Loughborough College and RFL Sport programme and have now been joined at the club by students Hayden Freeman, 17 and Elliot Norman, 18. The pair will be spending a few weeks in London after being offered a trial with the Broncos – with Hayden selected to play against Wakefield this weekend.
“I will actually get on the pitch and will be on the wing. All the U19 teams are tough opposition but we know what we need to do.
“I have been playing rugby for eight years and this is what I have always been aiming for.
“The players are faster and generally at a higher level but the Loughborough College course has prepared me. It’s been a good balance of training, classroom, gym and playing which I’ve really enjoyed. It sets you up and hopefully I’ll be offered a contract.”
Elliot Norman added: “The Broncos spotted Hayden and I when we played the London Academy team. Now we’ve got a month to show what we can do and it’s a lot of pressure – but they have already told us they’ve been impressed with what we’re doing in training.
“It’s a big step from the Midlands Academy but one the course at Loughborough College made sure we were ready for.
“I am hoping I will be selected for the game against Huddersfield next Saturday. I’m hooker in the middle of the field so need to learn a lot of moves for that position.
“I was so chuffed to hear I had got this with the Broncos, it’s all I’ve ever wanted since I started playing the game at six. I really hope I am offered a contract with the side and get the opportunities that come with that to move onto bigger and better things.”
Matt Davis said: “I was so happy to get my contract with the London Broncos last autumn and since then, as well as training and playing with the first team squad I have been Captain of the club’s Under-19 side.
“To play the first team games at the Summer Bash in Blackpool at the end of May and then against the Bradford Bulls at home at The Hive have been a massive step up but I’m really enjoying it – and to be alongside players who’ve been at the top level for years tests you and improves your game.
“Loughborough College really helped me get here and I can’t thank them enough.”
Richard Tunningley, Loughborough College RFL coach, explained: “This is the third year of the RFL Academy at Loughborough College and it is growing year on year with numbers already doubled – and expected to increase again next year.
“Our students achieve excellence academically and in their sport and we have so many players spotted and taken to the next step to experience a professional framework.
“In addition to Matt, Ben, Hayden and Elliot at the Broncos other Loughborough College success stories include Jay Neath about to go to Warrington and Trae O’Sullivan already at Leeds. We are helping to ensure clubs are no longer only looking at the traditional rugby league heartlands.”
Pictured: Loughborough College rugby players Hayden Freeman (left) and Elliot Norman