Dame Allan’s 1st XV captain Will Graham returned to collect his A Level results today before embarking on a professional rugby career with Newcastle Red Bulls.
The 18-year-old hooker from Wylam, who studied PE, Business and Psychology, will join the club’s senior academy on a two-year rookie contract.
Will, who first picked up a rugby ball in Year 3 at Dame Allan’s Junior School under the guidance of Peter Twentyman, Head of Junior Sport, captained the School’s 1st XV to the final of the Continental Tyres Schools Vase at Twickenham in March, capping off a school career that also included a rugby tour of South Africa.
His performances for Dame Allan’s and club Percy Park RFC earned him a place in the Newcastle Red Bulls academy in Year 10, culminating in the offer of a professional rookie contract earlier this year.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead,” said Will. “Stepping into a full-time professional environment is a huge step up, but it’s something I’ve been working towards since I first started playing rugby at Dame Allan’s Junior School.”
Will credits the support of Dame Allan’s staff, particularly Head of Rugby Mr Hay, with helping him balance the demands of elite rugby with his A Level studies.
He said: “The school has been brilliant at keeping me on track. Between academy sessions, fixtures and exams, life was pretty full-on, but my teachers always stepped in with 1-on-1 support and flexible catch-up sessions whenever I missed work for matches.
“I owe a huge thanks to Mr Hay in particular. He hasn’t just guided my physical game over the last few years; he really helped me step up as a leader when I took on the captaincy.”
Will now joins seven other senior academy inductees at Newcastle Red Bulls for pre-season preparation.
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Will has been an outstanding ambassador for Dame Allan’s, showing remarkable commitment and determination in balancing the demands of elite rugby with his Sixth Form studies. We’re incredibly proud of what he has achieved on the pitch and look forward to following his career in the years ahead.”
