Former Warriors become rugby league Skolars
Two former Gloucestershire Warriors players, Ollie Bloom and Danny Burke, have been given squad numbers by the London Skolars for their Co-Operative Championship 1 season this summer.
The Skolars announced their squad numbers after a trial game with Harlequins RL in which both Bloom and Burke played to earn their selection.
Bloom, a centre, has been given shirt number four while scrum half or hooker Burke will wear the number 22.
The pair are students at Hartpury College and have been playing rugby league since 2005. Both have represented the South of England at Student and senior level.
Bloom has played 13 times for the Warriors since a tryscoring debut as a substitute against Oxford Cavaliers in 2005 A prolific scorer, his tally includes 16 tries, a goal and a drop goal. He has also played for England Lionhearts before appearing several times for Harlequins Senior Academy and the South London Storm Co-Operative Rugby League Conference side. “I’m pleased,” said Bloom. “But the challenge is to make the starting 17 and make an impact in those games.”
Burke meanwhile made his first appearance for the Warriors, kicking a goal in their 68-6 thumping at Somerset Vikings. The following year, he became a hero in the Warriors’ 25-24 Rugby League Challenge Cup win over IIlingworth with a try, four goals and the all-important last minute drop goal. While at the Warriors, he reached a century of points in his 30 appearances with 12 tries, 27 goals and that drop goal. Burke has also played for Harlequins Senior Academy side.
Skolars’ coach Callum Irving said: “The squad is young, eager and locally based and will most likely form the backbone of the Skolars squads going through the next few years.”
“There are some excellent young prospects who had their first tate of professional rugby league in the city challenge [against Harlequins RL] and are now chomping at the bit to nail down a regular first team place.”
Warriors’ Chairman Chris Wilson said: “We are delighted that the players are doing so well and we wish them luck for the forthcoming season. It shows that there is an alternative path through the Gloucestershire Warriors to a career in professional rugby for those with the ability, drive and commitment”.
The Skolars season kicks off on Sunday 8 February with a National Rail Cup game at home to Dewsbury and their progress this season can be followed on www.skolars.com.
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Chris Wilson
Media Manager, Gloucestershire Warriors RLFC
Tel: +44 (0)1684 850903
Mobile: + 44 (0)7905 931033
Email: gloswarriors2004@aol.com
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The Gloucestershire Rugby League is an organisation for local rugby league clubs in Gloucestershire. Our main activity currently is to promote rugby league through the County and give useful information about our sport to the public of Gloucestershire.
