Rugby ace now graduate flyer

Penrith-born flyer Will Addison, a former under-20 international, has successfully juggled the pressures of being a top flight rugby player with his studies in four years.

The player was able to extend his studies by a year, so that he’d be able to play in the 2012 Junior World cup in South Africa.

“At times I didn’t know I’d be able to make it, because my role as a professional rugby player forced me to miss so many lectures,” he said.

“But thanks to the great support of the University, I came through and am absolutely delighted to have graduated.”

He added: “Business has always been something that has interested me-  and it’s one of those subjects which is a useful to have.

“I hope it will stand me in good stead if I ever work in the family business, a dairy farm back home in Cumbria.”

Addison has made a big impact on the Manchester team, since his debut in a pre-season friendly against Oxford University in 2010, scoring two tries.

He is no stranger to receiving accolades, as he was awarded both the Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player of the Year awards at former clubs Penrith and Upper Eden.

Playing at centre and on the wing, rugby fans expect to see great things from the rising star; England boss Stuart Lancaster praised the young player on his debut in 2012.

BA(Econ) Programme Director Dr Adam Ozanne said: “A Liverpool footballer of the 1970s called Steve Heighway, a winger famous for his speed and skill and the accuracy of the crosses he placed on the heads of John Toshack and Kevin Keegan, had a degree – in economics and politics, if I remember correctly.

“It was unusual then as it is now for a top-class sportsman to be able to combine their sporting careers with academic study, and Will is to be commended for achieving so much in both spheres of his life. At the University, it’s important for us to do all we can to help young people manage their workloads and lives, so they can both gain a good degree and pursue their other vocations, sporting or otherwise.”

Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/story/214477.html

Rugby ace now graduate flyer