Teams 
Bideford RFC and Kingsley Rugby Academy are celebrating another success story as Sam Bola earns his place in the Devon County Squad.
Sam, a dedicated scholar at Kingsley Rugby Academy, has continued to impress with his performances for both school and club, showcasing consistency, strength, and skill across every match.
No sooner had Sam’s selection been announced than he was handed another honour, a call-up to the Bideford Chiefs senior side for their away fixture against Withycombe. Stepping up to first-team rugby, Sam delivered an excellent debut, combining physicality with some eye-catching footwork that caught the attention of coaches and supporters alike.
“It’s great to be able to work alongside Kingsley Rugby,” said Kevin Booth, Bideford First Team Coach. “At club level, the junior section is thriving thanks to the continued hard work of all our coaches. The addition of the Kingsley lads has been fantastic across the age groups , long may it continue!”
Kinsley Schools Director of Rugby Tom Skelding added “It has been great to see the relationship between club and school developed over the past couple of years, as it was an area I wanted to prioritise when I took the job at Kingsley. We are very fortunate to have such a welcoming and forward thinking rugby club on our doorstep and it is a pleasure and to be able to collaborate in the support of North Devon rugby. The sharing of facilities has helped break barriers for new players, allowing children to be introduced to rugby at school and continue their development once signposted to the the rugby club. What has been notable this season is the speed of progress with players (new and old), as they benefit from similar coaching philosophies and continuity between school and club. Long May this fruitful relationship continue”
More Kingsley Success on the Horizon
In other exciting news, John Davenport, a powerful front-row player from the Under-16s, is heading to county trials this week. John, another Kingsley scholar originally from Houston, Texas, has made a big impression since arriving in the UK, bringing both talent and enthusiasm to the squad.
Everyone at Bideford RFC wishes John the very best of luck for his trial, another fine example of the growing link between Kingsley Rugby Academy and Bideford RFC.
