U6th pair face-off in international U19 match

By Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor

Louis Lynagh and Gwilym Bradley, the 1st XV captain and vice-captain respectively, played against each other for their international teams. Lynagh started on the wing for England despite hefty competition from players with a year’s experience in professional rugby.

Bradley, playing for Wales, was selected in the openside-flanker jersey despite spending the majority of last season on the sidelines with an arm injury.

England ran out 31-15 victors, but both players acquitted themselves well. Bradley won an early turnover, while Lynagh showed his trademark physicality with a frighteningly powerful early tackle on Wales’ fullback.

This game came at the end of a prosperous international series for both players – Lynagh played for England against France last month; Bradley turned out for Wales’ U19 team against Japan in Cardiff two weeks ago.

It marks a successful season for Lynagh and Bradley. The 1st XV won 19 of their 27 games in 2018/19, and competed well at the Rosslyn Park National 7s tournament, finishing 6th in the country and missing out on the cup semi-final only on points difference.