August 5, 2019 9.36 am This story is over 55 months old

Rugby Report: Touch rugby youngsters called up to Midlands squad

They will compete in the Junior National Finals
Lincoln Touch's Joseph Thompson has been called up to Midlands Tigers' Mixed Under-18 Touch squad. Photo: Tony Ritchings

Several of Lincoln Touch’s youngsters have been called up to the squad to represent Midland Tigers in a televised national tournament later this month.

The upcoming Junior National Finals will be held over the August bank holiday weekend in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, which will be televised on the BBC Red Button.

Lincoln Touch’s Flynn Smith in action for Midlands Tigers. Photo: Tony Ritchings

Lincoln Touch will be delighted to see a host of their young players feature in the tournament. John Winterbourne and Archie Rossington will make their debut for the Under-15 Boys, with Flynn Smith looking to build on his selection into the England training squad earlier this year.

In the Mixed Under-18 squad Polly Swann returns to the Midlands team with Molly Rushbrook, Harry Stroud and Joseph Thompson. Thompson was also recently selected into the England Under-15 Mixed Touch team, which will be competing in the European Cup in Paris between August 18-21.

Polly Swann returns to the Midlands team’s Mixed Under-18 squad. Photo: Beverley Swann

Molly Rushbrook has been called up to the Mixed Under-18 squad. Photo: Chris Thompson

Thompson said: “To be honest it has still not sunk in. You always want to represent your club and country at the highest level and it’s such a complete honour to have been selected and be part of this great team representing England against the best Europe has to offer.”

Lincoln Touch coach Rob Smith said: “It’s been a fantastic year for both the senior and junior teams which is being reflected in the selection of so many of our young players to represent the Midlands and also England.

Harry Stroud in action for Midlands Tigers. Photo: Tony Ritchings

“We are extremely proud to have these guys play alongside us and it clearly shows the club’s intent to build and develop a strong Touch team in and around the main rugby club.”

Lincoln Touch for ages 12 and upwards takes place at the club every Tuesday from 7pm-9pm, priced at £2 per session.

Lincoln’s 1st XV and Imps XV will return to action with a combined team to travel to Pontefract on August 17. The first team will also be in cup action later this month with a home clash against Newark in the NLD Cup on August 31.

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers will be heading to Lincoln Rugby Club from August 5-9 to host its Rugby Camp for Under-7s to Under-15s.