Northumberland teenager Zach Hall is celebrating a string of grade 7-9s at GCSE while progressing through the Newcastle Red Bulls’ youth rugby pathway.

The 16-year-old, from Acklington near Morpeth, achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s and a grade 7 at Dame Allan’s Schools, in Newcastle.

He said: “I’m feeling really happy. I got what I was expecting, so I’m glad. A lot was going on during my GCSEs, especially with my rugby, but I managed to balance it all really well.”

Zach plays on the wing for the Newcastle Red Bulls U17 Development team as well as Dame Allan’s Schools’ First XV.

He only started playing rugby when he joined Dame Allan’s in Year 9, before earning a place on the Red Bulls Development Player Pathway at the start of Year 10.

Zach said Dame Allan’s Head of Rugby Mr Hay had played a major role in his development.

“School was a big part of getting me playing, and Mr Hay helped me develop a lot,” he said. “Playing for the Red Bulls is a really high-level environment.”

Zach will remain at Dame Allan’s for Sixth Form, where he will study A Levels in History, Geography and PE, while continuing to pursue his rugby ambitions. He hopes to progress into the Red Bulls U18s and eventually secure a contract to play professionally alongside his university studies.

“I’d like to go to university and play rugby to a higher standard,” he said. “I hope I get through, stay on U18 and get a contract while going to university.”

Zach has also been inspired by the progress of former Dame Allan’s pupil Will Graham, who captained the school’s 1st XV before securing a two-year rookie contract with the Newcastle Red Bulls.

“Will was a really good player and a real leader on the pitch,” Zach added.

Neil Seaton, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “It’s fantastic to see Zach achieve such strong GCSE results while making great progress in rugby.

“With Zach now following in the footsteps of Will Graham, it’s a real testament to the strength of rugby at Dame Allan’s and the opportunities it gives players who want to take their rugby to the next level.”