Ellesmere College captain Morgan Johnson earns call-up for 4-Nations

The 1st XV skipper was called up for the tournament against Ireland, Scotland and Englandin their 4-Nations competition in July.

The talented half backEllesmere student and 1st Team captain, Morgan Johnson, has earned his call up to the Welsh Students Rugby League team to play Ireland, Scotland and England in their 4-Nations competition in July.

The Ellesmere College pupil, from Rhosesmor, north Wales, met up with the rest of the Welsh Students squad this week in order to playfor a warm-up fixture against the Parachute Regiment – running out 22-18 winnerson the night.

Johnson has been a prominent player at the college since joining at the age of 13, playing both the 15-a-side and seven-aside Union game.This year, Johnson has captained the 1st XV and seven-a-side teams, has represented Shropshire, RGC North Wales at under-15 and under-16s, North Mids at u-18s and has previously being capped twice for Wales Rugby league at u-16.

Last year, he was selected for the Welsh Dragonhearts open age rugby league team at just 17 years of ageand only missed out after his selectionon playing in the Commonwealth games nine-a-side Welsh team due to injury.

His latest call-up continues the school’s tradition for producing international youth players but marks a divergence of their talent into the alternative code game. A proud North Wales Crusader’s RL reserve team coach Matt Robinson said”Morgan has done himself, his family and the Crusaders Club proud with this involvement and performances with the Wales Students Team.  To have the opportunity to play for your country at any level is a huge honour and then to play against top class opponents such as England in a prestigious tournament is a big bonus – especially at his young age.“

Half back Johnson, 17, said: “I was thrilled to be selected and able to represent my country again. It’s been a difficult early season for me having missed out on participating in the Commonwealth games rugby tournament due to a significant injury, so it was great the selectors put their faith in me and I have enjoyed every minute of it – despite being battered and bruised after this week’s encounter with the paras! All fantastic experience though”.