St Helens ace inspires Rochdale youngsters

St Helens ace Kyle Eastmond talks with local youngsters at October's Half Term Total Rugby Camp.

St Helens Rugby League star Kyle Eastmond added his expertise to the October Total Rugby Camp at Hopwood Hall College.

The young sensation, who has been dubbed the next Jason Robinson, was highly impressed with the state of the art facilities and professional structure of the Total Rugby Camp set up.

Having attended similar camps as a youngster before playing professionally, Eastmond talked at length to the attendees about the ‘journey’ they all aspire to make.

He also took part in a question and answer session where one participant tested his knowledge of Rugby Union, a code that he has not yet played, but Kyle’s knowledge shone through. This reiterated the Total Rugby Camp ethos of 'Two Codes One Game'.

Event organiser Eric Noi said: “In addition, Kyle’s openness about lifestyle, professionalism and preparation will add value to the under pinning ethos of the camp structure. He is a role model that many young people should follow.”

It is hoped that Eastmond will attend each Camp, assisting with the coaching programme and offering more than a glimpse to every participant of what it takes to be a professional player.

Mr Noi continued: "The Total Rugby Camp provided an intensive but fun environment, which exposes each player to the full cycle of play, review and preparation under the tutelage of some of top coaches.

Other on-field activities centred around specific coaching, video assessments and cross training techniques from other sports. In the October camp the youngsters learned some judo routines to help with their rugby.

Camp participant Bradley Gartland from Rochdale said: “Kyle has really made my day. He is only young and it made me think that that one day it could be me playing professionally.”