After impressing for the North East at the Regional College Championships in May, Fraser Boldy has made the England College Lionhearts squad that will tour the Czech Republic next month after warming up against Scotland Colleges at Kingston Park on the 5th July.

Boldy joined Cramlington Rockets as an U13, with his speed and agility making him a natural fit for the sport while also enjoying a successful turn at rugby union in the winter. Having impressed for the Rockets, he was selected for the North East Thunder Academy in 2012.

Listing scoring a try against Leeds Rhinos as a highlight, Boldy was also part of the side that beat Salford Red Devils, the first North East side to beat a Super League Academy.

Eligible to attend trials for the North East Colleges squad due to studying at Gosforth Academy, the North East squad travelled to Sheffield for the National Championships where Boldy caught the eye of England College Lionhearts Head Coach, James Massara.

A two day training camp in Manchester as part of a 25-man squad followed. “It was physically challenging but a great two days” said Boldy. “It gave everyone a lengthy opportunity to settle in, learn and play. Waiting for the phone call was nerve wracking, so I was thrilled to be selected as part of the final 20-man team.”

With another training camp to come in Nottingham in late June, Boldy is set to make his debut at his home ground of Kingston Park in a warm-up match versus Scotland before flying out for a four day tour of the Czech Republic.

North East Colleges and Rockets coach, Jordan Robinson was thrilled with Fraser’s inclusion: “Fraser absolutely deserves the chance and I am incredibly proud of him.

He is a top all round athlete and ever since he joined the Rockets he has worked hard, developed his skills and shown a commitment to the game.”

Boldy was keen to credit the backing he has received from both codes: “I couldn't have reached this stage in my rugby development without the support of so many fantastic coaches and coaching schemes from both rugby league and union.”

I am very lucky to have been trained by top coaches at the North East Thunder Academy and Cramlington Rockets through the years, including Andy Kelly, Lee Crooks, Joe Brown, Michael Heap, Jordan Robinson and Steven and Matthew Beaty.

Walking out onto Kingston Park wearing an England Colleges match shirt in July is going to be such a proud moment; I can't wait.”

The England vs Scotland Colleges match will be a curtain raiser for the Newcastle Thunder match against Rochdale Hornets (3pm kick off) on the 5th July.