England rugby call puts Callum in sevens heaven

CHICHESTER'S Callum Wilson has received an offer to join up with the England rugby sevens team.
Callum Wilson is looking forward to making his mark with the England rugby sevens squad Picture by Kate Shemilt C130789-1Callum Wilson is looking forward to making his mark with the England rugby sevens squad Picture by Kate Shemilt C130789-1
Callum Wilson is looking forward to making his mark with the England rugby sevens squad Picture by Kate Shemilt C130789-1

The 22-year-old has been offered a two-year contract to be a permanent member of the national squad and begins his training at the end of July.

As a part of a 19 to 22-man squad, Wilson will have the opportunity to be selected to play in tour events all around the world including places such as Dubai and Hong Kong, with the team typically taking around 14 players to each event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Even if he is not selected for a particular tour event, Wilson will still have the opportunity to work and train with some of the best coaches in the business - and it is a prospect he is relishing.

Having played rugby union from the age of 12, the former Chichester High School pupil and Chichester RFC player was introduced to playing sevens rugby while studying for a degree at Loughborough University.

Despite studying for a business degree, he would love to forge a career as a professional rugby player.

He said: “Obviously my focus is to play as much as I can in the next few years and make a decision then, as I always have my degree to fall back on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve always wanted to play rugby but I wanted to do a degree which gave me a good knowledge of the business environment for when I finish playing.” Wilson spoke of his desire to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

“To be at the Olympics would be a dream, but at the same time I know I can always return to playing 15s rugby.”

JAMES SANDFORD