Chris Chalmers reflects on a magical summer
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Fresh off my Rugby Union season in British Columbia I began playing in the BC Rugby League domestic competition where I won a provincial championship with the Surrey Beavers. At the conclusion of the domestic competitions the CRL announced that I would be included in the international roster for 2012, As well two young players would be heading to Hull FC. I was selected from BC along with Graham Dobbs who was selected from Ontario to take part in a 6 week scholarship to train with the famous Black and Whites of Hull FC’s Super League Franchise and Academy teams as well as playing with the East Hull Rugby League team from July 6th to Aug 6th.
My time in Hull was a once in a life time opportunity to train at the highest level with world class players as well as the future stars of the Airlie Birds, and the local legends of the East Hull Rugby League Club. Graham and I played three games with east hull and without a doubt showcased our abilities on the pitch. Training with FC was hard, fun and brought my game to a level I hadn’t believed I was capable of reaching at the time. I have only thanks and gratitude for everyone in Hull, they taught me how to train in “beast mode” and play League at the highest of standards.
Toronto was my next stop for the next two and half months of training, living and International Rugby League. Canada vs Lebanon was my first test and cap for my nation. It was a good one, we went on to a 36-18 victory over the Cedars. I went on to play two tests vs the USA tomahawks as well. While living in Toronto I got to not only to play and train with all the lads, but I would get to enjoy time with the men behind the scenes of the CRL Cory Tukeli and Eric Perez, while working for my Head Coach Clayton Beckett, and living with my now good friend and teammate Steve Conlon. With two years under the CRLs belt we are now ranked 18th in the world. I would personally like to thank Cory and Eric for all the hard work over the past two years and everything they have done for me this past season. They worked hard on my behalf and I thank you both. Another shout out goes out to Steve Conlon who showed me the great Irish way. Big thanks to Paul O’Keefe for all the hard work and funding from BC.
So I wish the CRL family and in particular the BCRL family a Happy New Year and a big 2013!
source: RCR.COM
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