Leicester Tigers call-up for Market Rasen & Louth RUFC junior Harvey Salmon

A TALENTED Market Rasen & Louth RUFC junior has caught the eye of Aviva Premiership giants Leicester Tigers.

Harvey Salmon, 14, is enjoying tough training sessions in Newark as a member of one of the Tigers' Elite Player Development Groups.

Leicester, record nine-time English champion winners, run four EPDGs involving the most talented youngsters from the Rugby Football Union-backed Schools of Rugby programme.

Salmon, who has played rugby for Rasen since the age of six, was thrilled to receive the call-up during his second year on the schools programme.

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If the teenager remains in the elite squad until he finishes at under-16 level, he could be called up to the Tigers Academy and have the potential to forge a professional career in the sport.

He said: "I was very excited when my dad read the email announcing I had been selected to train with the EPDG.

"Schools of Rugby training, in Mansfield, was very tough and, although I love rugby, I never for one moment thought I would get through to the EPDG.

"The first session was incredible, full-on intensive training.

"We had to chuck a rope over the crossbar and do pull-ups, which were very tough!"

Salmon, whose favourite player is Manu Tuilagi, added: "The chance to move up from EPDG level doesn't really happen before under-16 level.

"That's still a long way off. There's a chance I could be put back down to Schools of Rugby, but either way I'll do my best.

"It's tough. The sessions are with the best players at my age group.

"You have to work hard to stay in the EPDG. RFU coaches are watching and always looking for the best."

Salmon's team at Rasen began playing 15-man rugby at under-13 level. Last season, they won ten games and lost four. They also won the NLD Sevens Plate competition last April, beating the highly-fancied Nottingham Boot Corsairs team in the final.

Salmon's father, Patrick, said: "The elite sessions are intensive skill and core strength training programmes and, I have to say as a coach for the under-14s at Market Rasen, the intensity and commitment by the players is incredible.

"The RFU head coach taking the sessions is Peter Cook, a former international player. He's a brilliant guy.

"Harvey has always had great hand-to-eye coordination.

"He works hard and I'm very proud of him."

To enquire about junior training at Market Rasen & Louth RUFC, contact junior vice-chairman Andy Sullivan on 07795562134 or visit www.rasenrugby.com