James Ryan ready to touchdown in Hong Kong
A sixth-former who lives in Dudley is set to represent the Philippines at the Under-20 Asia Rugby Sevens Championship.
James Ryan, a pupil at Old Swinford Hospital in Stourbridge, is one of 17 players selected for the tournament in Hong Kong.
Old Swinford Hospital’s director of sport, Andrew Coalter, said: “We are really proud of James’ selection as we are of our all students receiving caps for their national teams.
“It is a great honour and we hope he has a successful tournament which will be played in Hong Kong”
Their U20 Sevens’ programme is aimed at developing the next batch of Volcanoes to represent the Philippines at full international level.
Ryan will attend an official training camp on July 29 at the Southern Pains High Performance Facility in Laguna, before the tournament on August 5 and 6.
He joined the OSH sixth form from Bishop Milner Catholic School in Eve Hill, and is currently studying biology, chemistry and maths at A level.
Jake Letts, Philippines Sevens Under-20s assistant coach, said: “For the U20s, (coach) Dave Johnston and I are looking at the PRFU’s future.
“We want to see who can step up and match it with Asia’s best.
“Last year. we sent a team of 18-year-olds to compete at an U20 level.
“This year we are looking forward to seeing them one year older, one year wiser.”
