VIKINGS rugby player Luke Jones ran on with the NSW Under 18’s Barbarians side at the Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships on the Sunshine Coast from 7-11 July.
Selected in Sydney at the end of June, Luke’s credentials include representing the Mid North Coast Axemen Junior Rugby Union in Under 15s, Under 16s and Under 18s.
His coaches talk about Luke’s hard work ethic, consistency, and enthusiasm.
His ability to play his position and stick to structure, makes him a valuable asset.
Luke played either hooker or flanker during the tournament.
The Barbarians defeated the Queensland associated schools team in their first-round game and then won their way into the final by defeating Victoria Under 17’s.
They went on to be victorious against South Australia in the Championship.
Luke has only been playing rugby for six years; he played a bit of soccer before that.
At the age of 11, he met David Campese who said that he saw something special in him.
This inspired Luke to follow his older brother Josh, who was playing rugby at the time.
Luke started off by playing for The Pirates but moved to The Vikings three years ago when the Pirates had difficulty fielding an under 16’s side.
He is well-known for his tough, reliable defence and has coaches for strength, conditioning and skills.
“Luke has great feedback from his mentors; he listens to what they say and is appreciative and respectful of their advice,” Scheree Jones (Luke’s Mum) told News Of The Area.
“And does his best to put it into practice”
Luke’s next goal is to be selected to play for the NSW Waratahs, with a development squad being formed later in the year.
He also has a dream to play for the Australian Kangaroos one day.
Running parallel with this, are Luke’s plans to go to university upon completion of high school to do a physiotherapy course.
This will allow him to continue his involvement with rugby in another area.
Community involvement is high on Lukes’s agenda. He also runs workshops for eight to 14-year-old rugby players on the Mid North Coast and North Coast.
Luke’s Great Grandfather played club rugby in England during the 1920’s-1930’s and his grandfather also played rugby in England in the 1960s.
When asked what rugby meant to him, Luke replied, “Rugby gives me a great sense of representing my community and making lifelong friends.”
By Bill HARROW
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