Hi sorry for the radon question. It’s something I’ve been thinking about privately for a while and I asked something similar elsewhere a while ago but I had some good advice on here when I was switching codes so am hoping for similar again.

I’ve just turned 20 and currently play for an National Conference League team and have played uni rugby for 2 years as well. I didn’t have the chance to play at school because it wasn’t offered and some of my mates played Union so I went with them. I’ve only played league for maybe 4 years. Recently I’ve been thinking about what I want to do in the future and whether it’s right or wrong rugby is my main passion at the minute. I love everything about the game and it’s become a bit of an obsession for me training and playing... I just enjoy it all.

There’s every chance I won’t be good enough and I understand that but I’m training hard and improving the more I play. I’d like to play at a highest level I can... how high that is I don’t know. Is there a route into league 1/championship? I’ve been told to look out for open trials but the season is barely 3 months in. I know a lad who has just gone to Australia to play so maybe that’s an option in a couple of years potentially. Also there’s my age, how many years do I have to make things happen? I’m guessing 5 maximum. I’ve set a short term goal to try and make the England students squad year which I’m guessing will be necessary as well.

Quite a lot there I know but what do you lot think is the best thing for me to do to play at a higher level? Presumably a lot on here have been involved with the amateur game etc so thought I’d ask here initially rather than get snide remarks off a coach.

Thanks for reading.

Ideally you’d be playing for a successful community team that has links and a track record of providing players to professional clubs. That’s the easiest way to get noticed. In the short term concentrate on getting into the England student setup as that looks good on a CV. Then if you’re a regular 1st teamer for your community club keep working on your game and see what unfolds.

Australia is a great option if you have the money to do it. It can be expensive out there. Do some research beforehand so if you do go you’re at the right level club and can actually afford to go through with it.

In the meantime I’d advise playing as much as you can to build up your experience which will help your reading of the game. There are lots of resources online that provide guidance to coaches that as a player you can learn an awful lot and means you get input wider than just your club coach.

I also came to the game late via the student route. I’m in my mid 40s now and still going and love it. Enjoy your rugby.

as above, what club are you currently playing for, (Please name them as people on here may no people who have links to said clubs)some conference clubs are better than quite a few league 1 sides. the standard of the conference is maybe bot what it was 20 years ago but its still very strong.
i would say you need to establish yourself at a top player at tat level for a year or so, clubs will be looking at this level. if no one comes knocking then go to the clubs direct.

Cheers, don’t really want to name the club because my name is my username and I’m a bit embarrassed that I still have aspirations to play at higher levels. It’s one of the NCL St Helens clubs though. Are championship/1 clubs looking at NCL players?

England Students squad can be a gateway to the semi pro game and then even the pro game. Walmsley is probably the best example of a player coming through the student game as now he's an international player.

There's a few lads I played with at uni who are currently playing at Championship/League 1 level. It's a way that professional clubs do neglect imo and is a great way for players to develop whilst working towards a degree.

Keep working towards making the England students squad as semi pro sides do definitely look to sign lads playing at that level.

No need to be embarrassed better to reach for the ceiling and land in the table rather than the floor. That said give yourself some realistic goals, what ever club and position your playing at, establish yourself as the best in that position first. Then try to be amongst the best in that league, see where you go from there.

Stevo's armpit are not a good team though.

Can you play full back? If so email Jon.wells@castlefordtigers.com

Can you play full back? If so email Jon.wells@castlefordtigers.com

Quote: Matt The Saint "Cheers, don’t really want to name the club because my name is my username and I’m a bit embarrassed that I still have aspirations to play at higher levels. It’s one of the NCL St Helens clubs though. Are championship/1 clubs looking at NCL players?'" Have you written to the Champ/C1 clubs? Many have open trial days.....Contact Rob Powell at rob.powell@londonbroncosrl.com.

Quote: Matt The Saint "Cheers, don’t really want to name the club because my name is my username and I’m a bit embarrassed that I still have aspirations to play at higher levels. It’s one of the NCL St Helens clubs though. Are championship/1 clubs looking at NCL players?'" Have you written to the Champ/C1 clubs? Many have open trial days.....Contact Rob Powell at rob.powell@londonbroncosrl.com.

Quote: Call Me God "Have you written to the Champ/C1 clubs? Many have open trial days.....Contact Rob Powell at I actually had a look at open trials but the ones that I saw were aimed at under 19’s, funnily enough London was one I looked at. I’ve considered contacting clubs directly but I wouldn’t mind getting another season under my belt. I’ve got my eye on the Lancashire squad next year and maybe England/BARLA (assuming there are tours or games next year) I guess I need to be good enough to get into those squads and stand out if I’m going to have any chance.

Quote: Call Me God "Have you written to the Champ/C1 clubs? Many have open trial days.....Contact Rob Powell at I actually had a look at open trials but the ones that I saw were aimed at under 19’s, funnily enough London was one I looked at. I’ve considered contacting clubs directly but I wouldn’t mind getting another season under my belt. I’ve got my eye on the Lancashire squad next year and maybe England/BARLA (assuming there are tours or games next year) I guess I need to be good enough to get into those squads and stand out if I’m going to have any chance.