Arran-based teenager Ewan Bulger is getting ready to head off to New Zealand to continue his rugby development after he was awarded a month-long scholarship by Coach Logic in partnership with the Inside Running Academy.
Bulger, a second-row who played for Scotland under-17 against England last year, impressed the judges with his entry – especially the video he had to produce – and his dedication to the sport which has seen him regularly travel by boat to Ayr for training over the last three years. Coach Logic, devised by well-known club players Mark Cairns and Andy Muir, offer online coaching tools and are also keen to help young players progress their careers.
Bulger beat off a whole host of competitors to get the nod from Dan Ward-Smith, the former London Wasps and England player who is currently managing the Inside Running Academy in the Bay of Plenty, and Nic Gill, the All Blacks head of strength and conditioning who also heads up the conditioning at the Inside Running Academy.
Bulger said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard. While I was applying I was also busy with exams and driving lessons, so it was a hectic time, but I am so glad I put my entry in. Everyone knows that New Zealand is the place for rugby and I will head there and work as hard as I can and listen to everyone I meet to help me improve my game."
Bulger began playing rugby on the island when he was seven or eight, but as the years progressed he realised he would need to move to a club on the mainland to be playing at a high level regularly.
"I joined Ayr and it is a great club and I have been grateful to learn from some good coaches and play alongside some really talented guys.
"To get to training and matches I have to catch the ferry across and then get a lift at the other end, so it is quite a mission, but totally worth it and I must thank my family for all their help and support."
Ward-Smith said: "We are really looking forward to Ewan's arrival here. I get a real thrill out of assisting young athletes to reach their potential. We are confident we can help him take his game to the next level."
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