Harry Barlow and Hugh Tizard have joined a growing list of Cranleighans who have been rewarded for their hard work with professional rugby contracts when they leave the school in July. Harry and Hugh have both signed for Harlequins RFC and will join former Cranleighans Sam Smith, Will Collier, Greg Bateman, Seb Stegmann, Charlie Piper, Dino Lamb-Cona and Henry Taylor by progressing their school rugby to professional careers.
Both pupils were instrumental in the unbeaten 1st XV season and also the recent sevens success. Hugh is a second row (who can also play as a blind side flanker) while Harry is an centre or wing and has recently returned from playing for England U18.
Director of Rugby, Andy Houston, said: ‘Both boys have given a huge amount to Cranleigh over the years. Their training ethic and desire to improve has been inspiring to witness. As the number of pupils from the school who sign professional contracts grows, the common trait in all of them is just how hard they are willing to work for it.
‘It is easy for people to say they want something, but to actually be willing to put the hard work in to achieve it, is a real legacy for all our pupils to follow. They have done the 6:30am weight sessions, been strict with their diets as well as put in the huge number of hours doing individual skill work in their free time. They both are great role models for our juniors and I know they will work even harder now to make it as a regular first team player and push their talents as far as they can.’
Jamie Barden, current 1st XV Captain, is currently having an England sevens trial to try to make it into the academy. Jamie has played three years for the sevens team and played a key role in last year’s national title and this season successes at Surreys and Rosslyn Park.
Over the Easter Holidays there was a lot of rugby happening for a vast number of our pupils. Hayden Hyde represented IrelandU18s three times over the holidays. Hayden scored three tries and will be available next season for the same age group as he is still in the Lower Sixth. Harry Barlow represented England U18s in the six nations championships held in Wales over the Easter period. Hugh Tizard, Hayden Hyde and Harry Barlow all represented Harlequins U18 in the EPDG academy finals day. Sadly Jamie Barden and San Davies were both injured.
Oscar Beard, David Ofori and Will Trenholm were selected to represent Harlequins U16s at the Easter festival where national selectors watch the best U16 players from across the country. All three have been graduated to the U17 level due to their performances. Alex Harmes was also their representing London Irish and scored two tries on his debut.
Toby Tyson was selected for the Lambs U16s, where he played games in Colwyn Bay (Wales) for a week long camp as well as matches against Scotland Blues U16. Max Campbell-Harris and James Patient were both selected for Surrey U15s as well as Max Campbell-Harris and Josh Tusler representing Harlequins at U15 level.
