A trainee teacher in Penwortham has qualified to represent England in the Commonwealth Games this year.
Tyler Spence, 22, teacher of Computer Science at Penwortham Priory Academy, will be trying to win a medal at the Games taking place in Australia this February.
Having played rugby league for Wigan St Patrick’s in the National Conference League, Spence will be representing England in the Commonwealth 9s Championships.
Tyler plays fullback position in the 15-man squad made up of Under 23s from the community game.
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Tyler Spence, from Wigan, said: “It will be tough to win a medal as all the other teams are professionals and we are amateurs.
“England is the only team which is made up of amateurs and the favourites will be Australia.
“England are in a group with Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, who were champions in 2014 so it certainly won’t be a walk in the park!
“I can’t wait really, it will be the first time I have been to Australia and it’s fantastic that it’s to play rugby.”
The competition is over two days, based at Brisbane, Australia.
Penwortham Priory Academy pupils helped to fund Tyler’s trip, with fundraisers held at the school including a raffle.
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Tyler continued: “We needed to raise some of the money ourselves so there were various fundraisers across the way and I sold raffle tickets at school.
“It’s great to be involved, it will be a great experience and we will try our best.”
Do you live in Penwortham? Does your child attend Penwortham Priory Academy? Let us know in the comments below