By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 12:49, Thursday, 19 January 2012

LEADING rugby prospect Luke Davison could be set for a tough choice this year – as he is chased down by both codes.

talented: Luke Davison

The 15-year-old from Bowthorn, is currently on a scholarship with leading Super League outfit Warrington Wolves.

But he is also in demand from top flight union outfit Newcastle Falcons who have always taken a close interest in the St Benedict’s School pupil.

“He has always played rugby league, since he was a kid and didn’t really have an interest in union until he went to St Benedict’s School,” said proud father Mark.

“He got put forward for the Falcons’ School of Rugby programme and he went once a month for two to three years.

“Then, last year, Richard Metcalf, who runs the School of Rugby, nominated him to go to West Park, Leeds to see the England under-16 RU coaches.

“We got there early and talk-ed with the Leeds Academy guys, they told us if he was ser-ious and wanted to progress in rugby union, he needed to start playing it more regularly.

“So now he plays for Carlisle Rugby Union Club. Last year he got picked to play for Newcastle under-15s in a festival. He then moved up to the under-16s and played for them at Leicester where he did well.”

These strong performances saw Mark Laycock, the academy manager at Newcastle, put in a call, asking what the talented centre planned to do when he left school.

He invited him to consider going to Gosforth Academy to do his A-levels and an advanced apprenticeship in sporting excellence, which would see him training for 16 hours a week in rugby union.

The scheme is run by Gosforth in conjunction with Newcastle Falcons and is part of their junior academy system.

But Luke, who also plays rugby league at full-back for Wath Brow Hornets, is torn by his love of the opposite code.

The XIII-a-side game is also very aware of his talents. After training under the eye of Warrington Wolves coaches at a recent camp in Cleator Moor, he was offered a place on their under-16 scholarship scheme.

“The coaches said they had been impressed by him and were watching him in the forthcoming matches with a view to him coming down,” explained Mark.

“We got another call three or four weeks later to say they had a number of scout reports that were favourable and would he like to go on a six week trial.

“He jumped at the chance and after five sessions they asked him to sign a scholarship contract for this year.

“He travels down with a couple of other lads and will play the season for them.

“If they then turn round and say they would like him to go into their academy then he will have to make a tough choice.”

First published at 11:10, Thursday, 19 January 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk