Forwards Jack Bennett, Rory Cameron, Ioan Emanuel, Billy Sela and George Timmins are joined by backs Ieuan Davies, James Short and Raff Weston in earning an opportunity to progress with the Blue, Black and White.

Jack Bennett

Position: Second Row | Back Row
School: Monkton Combe
Club: Bradford on Avon RFC
Honours: England U18

A player who can play across the back five of the scrum, Bennett has shown great progression over the past year. He toured with England Under-18s in South Africa, scoring a superb try with one of his excellent running lines. A dynamic player, Bennett is working hard this year to develop his set piece, particularly his line-out.

Ieuan Davies

Position: Scrum-half
School: Millfield
Club: Neath Athletic RFC
Honours: England U18 + U19

Davies has a fantastic tactical understanding of the game at scrum half. He is a very good team player who has been playing for Bath Rugby Under-18s since he was Under-16s. His performances earned him an opportunity to represent England Under-18s and 19s this season. Davies will dedicate time in further developing his box kicking, understanding of cues to allow him to put defences under more pressure and his defensive part of his game.

Ioan Emanuel

Position: Prop
School: Millfield
Club: Llantwit Fadre RFC
Honours: Wales U18

Formerly of Cardiff Rugby, Emanuel moved to Millfield for sixth form and became part of the club’s Academy this season. A passionate Welshman who made his debut for Wales Under-18s recently, he is a technically savvy scrummager from loosehead prop. Emanuel will continue to develop his ball carrying and tackle dominance over the coming years.

Rory Cameron

Position: Second Row
School: Beechen Cliff
Club: Amesbury RFC

Cameron’s progression has been impressive. A late comer to the game, but a brilliant all-round sportsman, the second row has only played approximately 30 rugby matches in his career to date but his physical dominance makes him an exciting prospect who would have been selected for England Under-18s if not for injury. Cameron is working hard to develop his line-out calling this year as well as his ball carrying to gain momentum.

Billy Sela

Position: Prop
School: Beechen Cliff
Club: Royal Wootton Bassett
Honours: England U18

A converted back row, tighthead prop Sela’s physicality and dominance up front has been a key feature during his time in the Academy and now at England Under-18s level. He was a consistent player in Bath Rugby Under-18s 2022/23 season and was an ever-present for his country in the U18 Six Nations Festival. An athletic, ball-carrying prop, Sela is looking to further develop his scrummaging as he transitions into the senior game.

James Short

Position: Centre
School: Beechen Cliff
Club: Keynsham RFC

Another to come through Beechen Cliff, Short is a tough centre who heavily featured throughout Bath Rugby Under-18s 2022/23 season which included a six-match winning streak. He has good acceleration, strong footwork and a great ability on the outside break. Short is looking to further progress his catch, pass skills under pressure and his kicking in open play.

George Timmins

Position: Back Row
School: Millfield
Club: Market Harborough RFC
Honours: England U18

A ferocious player with an ability to get off the line, tackle hard and put teams under pressure, Timmins has displayed great tenacity in his game from back row this season. It has earned him England Under-18 recognition in the U18 Six Nations Festival where he has been challenged to disrupt more at the breakdown using his contest skills.

Raff Weston

Position: Fly-half
School: Beechen Cliff
Club: Walcot RFC
Honours: England U18

Another to have represented England Under-18s in South Africa last summer, fly-half Weston moved to Beechen Cliff after previously attending Kingswood. He is a precise passer and has a real ability to simplify the game and give people time on the ball which has a positive effect on his team’s attacking shape. Weston will work on his tackling in defence and his kicking consistency both out of hand and off the tee which at times has been scintillating.

Head of Academy Craig Lilley said of the octet:

“We have been fortunate to have such a fantastic group of players to work with throughout the years and we’re delighted to be bringing through eight extremely talented boys from this year’s cohort.

“The Under-18s campaign was great for their progression as players and people and we can’t wait to help them on the next stage of their journey.

“We are extremely proud of them and if they work hard, they all have the potential to develop their game positively over the next couple of seasons.”

All eight players will attend the University of Bath, subject to grades.

Bath Rugby University scholars will be announced at the beginning of next season once players receive their grades.

Bath Rugby announce Academy intake for 2023/24

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