Stalwart of Shrewsbury Rugby selected for England Lambs squad

A “determined and dedicated” Sixth former has been selected to play for the England Lambs Rugby team.

Marcus D (R, UVI) was selected for the U18 England Lambs squad following trials against 250 players, making it to the final team of 35.

Captain of the Shrewsbury School rugby team, Marcus’ rugby journey has gone from strength to strength, with his selection for the England Lambs - a side picked from the best players in the country not attached to professional academies – the latest in his sporting achievements.

Marcus said: “The opportunity to play rugby at this high level with an English flag on my shirt is a dream come true.

“I’ve been playing club rugby at Whitchurch since the age of 5 years old. At 15 I was picked up by Worcester rugby Academy.

“This season I have been captaining the Shrewsbury squad and this has really helped me progress not only my skills but my leadership. I have recently moved to Chester Rugby Club, played for Cheshire County U18 and have been selected to trial for the North of England squad.

“With support from the school’s rugby coaches, I was also put forward for U18 England Lambs, a free running England touring squad. After two gruelling trials and against 250 other top-class players, I was selected for the final squad of 35.

“I am now looking forward to national fixtures in Spring, ending in a summer tour to South Africa and Namibia where I can play some quality South African sides and even get to go on a safari.”

Chris Cook, Head of Rugby at Shrewsbury, added: “It is a tremendous achievement for Marcus to make it through to the England Lambs rugby squad this year.

“This does not come as a huge shock to any of the coaches who have had the pleasure of working with Marcus since he arrived at Shrewsbury. Marcus has shown great dedication to improving his game, and in the three years that he has been in the 1st XV has become a figure in the squad that everyone looks up to.

“Marcus performs consistently on a different level to most players, reading the game incredibly well, so that he can turn up in unexpected places to perform incredible feats – be that stealing a turnover, making a hard-hitting tackle, or scoring a try. Certainly Marcus’ leadership qualities have developed over the past couple of seasons, and it was satisfying to hear that he captained the Northern Lambs in the final trial matches.

“We wish Marcus the very best for his oncoming Lambs matches and hope to see some footage from his tour to South Africa in the summer. He has been a fantastic stalwart of Shrewsbury rugby, and is a shining example to all the rugby players throughout the school of what can be achieved through determination and dedication.”