Three of Cranleigh’s current rugby players have recently secured professional contracts.
Harry Barlow has joined Harlequins on a two year contract. Harry joined the School from Cranleigh Prep School and has played for England U16, U17 and U18 over the last three seasons. Harry is a winger/centre who was involved in the Rosslyn Park National winning sevens squads in 2016 and 2017 as well as being in the squad who were runners-up this year. He also played a star role in the St Joseph’s victory in 2016 and was vice-captain for this season’s unbeaten side.
Hugh Tizard is also joining Harry at Harlequins. Hugh is a second row/back row forward who over the course of his two years in the Sixth Form has developed into one of the best forwards in the country for his age group. Hugh has represented Harlequins Academy since the age of 15 and has trained with England at U18 level. Hugh actually started his first game for the school in the 2nd XV before working incredibly hard and breaking into the 1st XV after just one game. From there he has become an outstanding ball carrier, leader and defender, who was instrumental in the unbeaten 2017 XV’s season. He played for the sevens side for the last two years helping us to National and Surrey titles. Both Hugh and Harry will be joining Dino Lamb and Will Collier at Harlequins.
Jamie Barden is joining England sevens on a one year deal. Jamie has captained the 1st XV this season and throughout his time at the school, from U14 to U18 level, he has set an incredible example for those around him to follow. Jamie has suffered two serious leg injuries as well as selection disappointment at various representative levels, but he continued to work hard and has become one of the best sevens players in the country for his age group. Jamie played centre for the School team and hooker in the sevens format, with his work rate and physicality standing him out from the crowd. Jamie was successful in a recent trial held in London last month and all three young men will join up with their teams when they finish their A levels in late June.
All three players join a growing list of former 1st XV players who are now playing professional rugby. This list includes; Greg Bateman (Leicester), Luke Braid (Auckland Blues), Seb Stegmann (Ealing Trailfinders), Will Collier (Harlequins), Henry Taylor (Saracens), James Cordy-Redden (Ealing Trailfinders), Charlie Piper (Harlequins), Sam Arnold (Munster), Dino Lamb-Cona (Harlequins) and Harry J Elrington (London Irish).
Andy Houston, Director of Rugby commented: “It is a an incredibly proud time for both myself and the School. We design our rugby here to have a sport for all attitude but that means we want each player to reach their potential. From the 5th XV to the 1st XV it’s vital that the boys work hard and enjoy what they do. These three young men have set an unbelievable example for the rest of the School to follow. They are of course very talented but they have worked so hard to be better. The hours they have committed to, in order to get in their skills work, or the tough extra fitness sessions have all been worth it. They have been a delight to have coached and I wish them all the best in their next chapter. I just hope that they now kick on and really make themselves proud”.
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