FIFTEEN-year-old Beau Morrison has taken a major step forward in his ambitions to become a pro rugby player by signing for Huddersfield Giants.

Beau, who lives in Mirfield and attends Bradford Grammar School (BGS), has been playing rugby since he was five and says former professional rugby player dad, Glenn, was his main inspiration to take up the sport.

Glenn is a former Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity star and is now a rugby coach and head of athletics at BGS. He has recently been appointed director of rugby for Cleveland Rugby League, in the newly created North American Rugby League.

Beau said signing for Huddersfield Giants was a big step in the right direction of his ambition to be a pro rugby player. He was scouted playing for Siddal Rugby League as a loose forward and for Old Brodleians Rugby Union as a full back.

Said Beau: “I used to go and watch my dad play and I fell in love with the sport. I’ve always wanted to be a pro rugby player and he’s helped me massively in achieving my goals. Hopefully I’ll be able to fulfil my dream in the future.”

Glenn said: “I’m extremely proud of Beau and what he’s achieved in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. He’s been around rugby ever since he was born and wants to make a career out of this. I’ve never wanted to be a pushy parent and have let him do it his own way and it makes me proud that all the hard work he has put in has been rewarded with this contract at a professional club. He’s achieved this on his own with the effort and work he’s put in."

Beau is training regularly with the Under 16s at the Giants and, with his first match coming up in a few weeks, is hoping he will be selected to play for the Under 16s.

Added Beau: “I love the physicality of rugby. You’re able to run as hard and as fast as you can trying to break the defensive line and you’re able to tackle them as hard as you can, not letting them get past you. It’s something you rarely get in other sports.

“Every single rugby coach at BGS has supported me through my journey and helped me to improve my rugby. The facilities are great, there’s a lot of outdoor and indoor space, and I’ve also had the chance to use the sport conditioning gym to improve myself more which is great.”

Bradford Grammar School is ranked as ‘one of the ten best value private schools in the UK’ (Telegraph 2016, 2019) that achieves excellence in all they do, both in academic and extra-curricular activities (Good Schools Guide 2018).

Outside the classroom sport also plays a fundamental part of a broad, well-rounded education for girls and boys, building character, camaraderie and school spirit.