Talented trio have World at their feet
A TRIO of rugby talents will represent Newcastle University at the 2017 Rugby League Student World Cup in Australia.
Jason Bass has been named as part of the England squad while Matthew Hogg and Finlay Hutchison will run out for Scotland.
The prestigious event takes place between July 5-17 and is part of the International Rugby League’s 2017 Festival of World Cups.
Hogg is from North Berwick, near Edinburgh.
The BSc marketing and management student said: “It is a big achievement for me to be part of the team as I only started playing rugby league last summer and I am one of the youngest members of the squad.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and will be a top highlight of my rugby career.
“We are taking a very professional approach to the tournament so I have improved my nutrition, my strength and conditioning and I think testing myself against the best students in the world will be good experience.
“I will also be playing for Scotland Under-19s this summer so I am hoping my experience through this competition will help and add to my overall game.
“Scotland is a minority nation in rugby league but I am going over there to win.
“I am confident in our squad, we have had good preparation - it will be tough but I can think we can at least reach the semi-finals.”
Hutchison said: “It is always a great honour to be selected to represent your country.
“I am lucky this year will be my third and final time representing Scotland students and to be able to go out on a World Cup stage is a really exciting prospect.
“It will be a tough tournament but I am excited to be going.
“We have a great squad this year with the largest potential of any team I have been involved in.
“I feel we can really upset some nations during the tournament.
“All games will be tough but to experience playing against the best students in the world in Australia will be unforgettable.”
The outside centre, from North Berwick, started playing rugby at five.
The final-year business management student is also firmly focussed on his academic degree and professional development.
He added: “It is amazing to represent my country but if I was going to pursue a career in rugby I would have chased it a few years ago.”