Rugby stars graduate and aim for perfect 10
Source: ablogus.sunderland.ac.uk
06/08/2007
Newcastle Falcons rising star Gavin Beasley and England women’s rugby player Katy McLean can now concentrate full-time on their careers after graduating from the University of Sunderland.
During the last year of their degrees, the 21-year-olds have risen up the ranks – Gavin with the Falcons and Katy with the England squad.
Gavin, from Whitehaven in Cumbria, and Katy, from South Shields, are graduating from sports degrees at Sunderland.
Gavin, who studied Sports and Exercise Sciences, made his professional debut for Newcastle Falcons in November last year against Harlequins, and last month (June) was named as a member of the Academy’s senior squad.
Katy, who graduated from Sport Studies, made her debut for England Women’s Rugby team in the RBS Six Nations tournament against Scotland in February. She now has four caps.
The young athletes, who both wear the coveted number 10 shirt worn by Falcons and England star Jonny Wilkinson, are looking forward to a career in the sport they love – and both are planning to stay in the North-East.
Gavin recently moved full-time to Newcastle to be closer to the Falcons home at Kingston Park.
He said: “It’s great to know that I could be competing for the number 10 shirt in a couple of years time. This is a dream come true, and I’m really looking forward to giving it a go.”
Katy is currently the only North-East player to be chosen for the England Women’s Rugby first team, which is ranked 2nd in the world standings. She plays at fly-half and wears the number 10 shirt for England, like Jonny Wilkinson.
Katy has excelled through the junior ranks to the England A squad over the past few years and now all that hard work has paid off with a well deserved call up to the first team.
She plays domestic rugby for national Division 1 side Thirsk, who are based in Darlington. She said: “My family and friends are really pleased, especially as they know how much work I have put in.”
Gavin and Katy have been supported throughout their time at the University of Sunderland as part of the Elite Athletes scheme. The university scheme offers funding and professional support to athletes who are breaking into the high end of their sports.