The club is proud to see U18s stalwart Matas Jurevicius, being rewarded a place in the England Counties team to face Ireland Clubs U18s in a two-game series on the 4th and 7th of April 2018 down in Portsmouth.
The big man has worked hard at his rugby through school, club and county over the last two seasons and is now seeing some real rewards for his efforts.
London Scottish U18 coach Colin Allan said “‘It was a great pleasure and of little surprise to be notified of Matas’ inclusion in the England counties side.
Matas has consistently displayed three qualities loved by all coaches, works hard, talks little and absorbs much. This has meant for two seasons Matas has been amongst the first names on the team sheet and it is great to see that being rewarded. At the same time providing a reminder for everyone at the club what can be achieved.”
We caught up with Matas a few weeks ago when he got a surprise call up by Saracens and academy coach, Kelly Brown, to represent the Saracens Academy in their Premiership Academy games. He impressed and now finds himself with the opportunity to represent his country.
Matas how did you become involved with London Scottish?
“I got offered a London Scottish academy place through Hayes School when I joined year 12.”
You attend Hayes School in Bromley, an Education and Rugby Partnership School with London Scottish. How has the rugby programme developed at the school?
“It’s provided us with two teams, which gives us depth to compete. We train twice a week and we also train individually which has help us get bigger and stronger.”
How has your school season gone?
We got to the quarter finals of the NatWest National Vase. The first comprehensive school to reach the business end of the knockout competition.
Do you feel your rugby has developed through both school and the club’s academy?
“I feel like my rugby skills and understanding have improved drastically over the two seasons I’ve been at Hayes and Scottish. It provided me with fantastic opportunities and environments to develop as a player and person.”
You were called up to the Saracens Premiership Academy U18s a few weekends ago to play Northampton Saints U18s. How was that experience and what did you learn?
“My experience with Saracens has been amazing and I’ve learnt that it is a lot more physical and that the pace of the game is higher. It takes a lot to maintain that over a full game, which also shows how unfit I am compared to those in the academy programme.”
What are your broad plans once you are finished school?
My plans for when I leave school is to hopefully carry on playing a high level rugby and also finding some work I enjoy.
Rugby Director, Corné du Rand have seen Matas develop over the last two years, “since I saw Matas at an open trial at Hayes School in May 2016, I was impressed with is work rate and attitude. He came into the London Scottish Junior Academy for the 16/17 season and improved with every game.
Our partnership with Hayes School also meant that the programme attracted more quality players to the school for the 17/18 season, which with the coaching he received, gave him a great platform to learn and play rugby week in and week out, at a good level through the school and club.
This season Hayes have had a great campaign and he has been integral to it. He also makes a difference when he plays in the U18 team here at Scottish with his physicality, work rate and skill level. We look forward to see how he continues to grow his game.”
London Scottish wish him all the best for the upcoming games and look forward to seeing him back in a London Scottish shirt after his international representation!
