The RBSI Guernsey Rugby Academy continues to offer trialists to Hampshire, which is key to its future development strategy, and 2015 saw six under-14 hopefuls being put forward for the open trial which took place on 11 January.

Morgan Camp, Matthew Creber, William Gray, Phil Le Noury, Cody Simms and Tom Yarwood were all shortlisted by the coaching staff and assessed ahead of the trials.

Gosport RFU hosted these trials and over 195 candidates completed the tough selection process which enables the players to showcase their skills to the selectors.

Of these, just 45 would end up in the Hampshire county squad.

We are delighted to say that Matt Creber and Cody Simms stood out on the day and they were successful and have been selected to play for the County.

Hampshire is one of the largest rugby playing counties and competition is fierce and it came as no surprise to Steve Melbourne, Guernsey's Rugby Development Officer, that these two boys stood out.

Both players were trialling as back rows and the selectors were very impressed with their strength and all round tackling and rucking abilities.

Their first squad training was on 1 February and they acquitted themselves extremely well, and following this session they were picked for the first County game against Dorset & Wiltshire. Steve Melbourne, who attended the game was very proud to hear the news that Cody had been picked as captain.

Both Matt and Cody played the entire game and their strength in their play did not go unnoticed.

Steve said that 'both boys did exceptionally well again a much bigger Dorset and Wilts side with Cody putting in some monster hits and Matt's showed that for a big lad he has got some great pace.

Hampshire unfortunately narrowly lost but the coaching team was pleased with the style of play that they had worked towards and although not perfect, it is clear that the squad has some strong foundations to push on and challenge every team they will play.

Si Burns, the U14s Manager said:

'I was immensely proud of the boys attitude and professionalism throughout the day and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.’

Both Matt and Cody have done extremely well to win their representative honours and the RBSI Academy congratulates them.

In the coming weeks they will attend further training cumulating in a game against Surrey & Middlesex on 22 March, at Alresford Rugby Club.