Two of Northumbria University’s rising stars will relish this weekend’s trial by TV after landing spots in Newcastle Falcons’ squad ahead of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s.
The prestigious summer tournament brings together the very best in top flight professional Rugby Union.
And Northumbria duo George Wacokecoke and Will Muir, both 21, are the only non-contracted members of a Falcons squad led by England 7s international Cameron Cowell.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for both lads and their call-ups are fully deserved,” said Northumbria’s head of rugby Darren Fearn.
“Will is a great story. He was playing for Team Northumbria’s 3rd XV the season before last but was exceptional in pre-season last summer and made his BUCS Super Rugby debut against Durham in December.
“Since then he has been ever present. Will was an integral part of the TN BUCS 7s winning squad scoring the try with the last play to win it.
“He is an example of someone who has a brilliant attitude towards studies and sport and all year he has committed and bought into the TN rugby program. The results speak for themselves.”
Third year mechanical engineering student Muir will be joined by team-mate Wacokecoke - born in Fiji but resident in the UK since the age of six.
The flying winger starred for England Students against France earlier this year and after spells with Northampton and Bath academies the second year student is a regular in the Falcons’ A team.
“George is an unbelievable talent and he has shown real focus this season and been one of the standout players,” added Fearn.
“He was rewarded for superb campaign when he got selected for England Students and he also featured in the Newcastle Falcons A league campaign.
“George captained TN to victory in the BUCS 7s tournament and it’s little wonder he’s on the Falcons’ radar.”
Friday's group phase sees the Falcons open the tournament against reigning champions Wasps (6pm) before facing Leicester Tigers (8.56pm) with the top two in the group going through to the quarter-finals during Saturday's knock-out phase.
The tournament, staged at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens, is live on BT Sport and Fearn added: “Although this is a fantastic personal achievement for the lads it also reflects well on the Rugby Union programme we have in place at Northumbria.
“I’m convinced we will only get better and Will and George will be central to that progress.”
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