THE growing strength of the youth rugby scene in Helensburgh has been underlined after a local teenager won a place in an elite regional rugby squad.

William Harrison, 16, was one of 250 young players invited to take part in trials for the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy’s Glasgow and west of Scotland under-16 squad.

And if his selection by his Helensburgh RFC coaches for a place at the trials came as a surprise to William, an S5 pupil at Hermitage Academy, it was nothing compared to the news that he’d been selected for the squad itself.

William’s efforts are the latest feather in the cap for the blossoming Lomond and Helensburgh youth set-up at Ardencaple: last week the Advertiser reported on the Scottish Cup success with Stirling County of Helensburgh duo Joy Fletcher and Lucy Macrae, while another Burgh youth graduate, University of Edinburgh student Anne Young, made her full debut for Scotland’s women against Japan in November.

Helensburgh’s youth rugby convener, Ian Smith, said: “William started playing rugby for Helensburgh RFC aged eight years old when the family relocated to Scotland.

“He has remained a stalwart of the team ever since, proving himself a versatile player who is able to naturally read the game and having the adaptability to play in a variety of positions on the pitch.

“This year he has captained the U16 squad for Helensburgh and has proven himself a natural leader, motivating and developing the team to a semi-final place in the cup.

“Since his early days he has been a committed player, turning up whatever the weather and finding every opportunity to learn more about the game and develop his skills.”

And William has been working hard at his fitness too, under the expert guidance of coaches at The Journey in Colquhoun Square – so much so, in fact, that he achieved the accolade of the second-fittest 15-year-old in Scotland at last year’s Crossfit Games.

Following an assessment of his physical fitness, game play and personal attitude, William became one of only four hookers to be selected for the Glasgow and west squad - potentially opening the door to playing professionally or perhaps even being selected for the national squad.

In addition to his club training with Helensburgh, William now trains twice a week with the regional Academy squad at the Ravenscraig regional sports facility in Motherwell, under the watchful eye of professional coaches from the SRU – while he’s also completing additional academic studies with New Lanarkshire College in professional sport.

And his efforts so far paid off in style when he made his playing debut for the Academy team as a half-time substitute against Caledonia at Lasswade RFC: within 20 minutes of coming on, he scored a blistering try, beating four players with a mix of speed and deft footwork any hooker would be delighted with, and his overall performance has already secured praise from many who watched the game.

Ian added: “William was immensely grateful for the support he had from his Helensburgh team mates who travelled to watch the match, and also to his Helensburgh coaches who have attended the trials and training to offer him support.

“William is very humble about his abilities, calm under pressure and always willing to lend a hand to other players to play to their best.

“Indeed during sessions where he has had injuries he’s been down at the club helping to coach and bring the skills he has learnt in the academy for the benefit of the whole Helensburgh U16 team.”

William has worked hard at his fitness, training regularly under the expert guidance of the coaches at The Journey and alongside his rugby achievements he achieved the accolade of the 2nd fittest 15 year old in Scotland in last year’s Crossfit games. The athleticism and strength he has developed has only benefitted him more on the Rugby pitch and has enabled him to play with an energy not often seen at club level.

As a high performer in Youth Rugby, William was selected by his coaches at Helensburgh RFC to go forward to trials with the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy – Glasgow and West of Scotland Squad. William was not aware of this selection and it was a tremendous surprise for him to find out that he was so highly thought of by the Helensburgh coaches.

Trials were held at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility in Motherwell where he was tested against 250 other excellent young players. Following assessment of physical fitness, game play and personal attitude William became one of only 4 Hookers to be selected for the Squad. From here William has the exciting opportunity to develop his skills and to potentially play for a professional club or indeed be selected for the National Squad in the future. In addition to Club training William now trains twice a week at the Ravenscraig facility under the watchful eyes of professional Scottish Rugby Union Coaches where alongside training he is completing additional academic studies with New Lanarkshire College in professional sport.

Debuting at Lasswade last Sunday as a Half-time substitute for the Academy Team, within 20 minutes of coming onto the pitch he scored a blistering try beating 4 players with a mix of speed and deft footwork. His overall performance has already secured praise from many who watched the game. William was immensely grateful for the support he had from his Helensburgh team mates who travelled to watch the match, and also to his Helensburgh coaches who have attended the trials and training to offer him support.

William is very humble about his abilities, calm under pressure and always willing to lend a hand to other players to play to their best. Indeed during sessions where he has had injuries he will be down at the club helping to coach and bring the skills he has learnt in the academy for the benefit of the whole Helensburgh U16 team.