HUDDERSFIELD Rugby Union Club’s goalkicking winger Luke Booth has been sampling the high life after playing for a European Select team against the Australian Academy – at Aussie Rules Football!
The 20-year-old from Kirkburton had already made his mark at the sport playing for Huddersfield Rams where his displays earned him a call-up for England Dragonslayers in the Euro Cup, and he played at Surrey’s Oval county cricket ground last year.
He was subsequently chosen for Great Britain and last week graduated to the European team for the match again the Australian Academy, which was also played in Surrey at the ground used by Harlequins Rugby Union side.
He enjoyed a week-long session with the European squad prior to the game when they trained and played a practice match before the big game at the weekend, which ruled him out of Huddersfield RU’s home game against Stockport.
“We had a meet and greet and team-building session before intensive training each day,” said Booth, whose favoured position is either full-forward or half-forward.
“A lot of time was spent on game play to help the lads who were not too familiar with the style of play and technical know-how, and then we played a practice game against a London club’s select team which Europe won convincingly.
“We then had some lighter training for the next couple of days, during which time we had pool recovery sessions each day, while being given a set diet, sessions with the physios and video analysis.
“Basically we were treated like professionals for the week, and on the eve of the big match we were taken to Jamie Oliver’s restaurant with the Australian Institute of Sport team.
“The following day we played against the Aussie Academy and although we competed well throughout, they were just a bit too strong for us and we were beaten.
“But I was made vice-captain for the match, which was a big honour and made it that bit special.”
The added bonus for Booth and his teammates was that they had coaching from ex-Sydney Swans player Tadgh Kennelly and Geelong Cats legend Brad Ottens.
