Future England rugby wannabe Jenson, 11, given world trophy shirt by international star
Report written by: Kiaran, Amber and Maria, aged 12
Photo by Josh, 15
Jenson Pullen, of Worle Community School Academy, in Weston-super-Mare Somerset was interviewing Marcus Nel, the current Clifton and Zimbabwean rugby player, as part of Jill Dando News when he got the surprise gift.
Jenson plays for Hornets Rugby Club and aims to be an England quarter-back.
Marcus was being interviewed by 15 Jill Dando News reporters.
They have previously interviewed the Prime Minister in Downing Street, the BBC’s Fiona Bruce, Olympic rower James Cracknell and a host of others.
After having been told that Jenson had aspirations of playing in the World Cup, Marcus generously handed over his former rugby shirt which he wore during the Under 20 Junior World Trophy.
He told the students, “This was the most memorable game in which I represented my country”.
The shirt was yellow, green and ‘relatively large’, with the obvious build of a rugby player.
He told Jenson, “he will face a lot of ups and downs in his career but he will meet all kinds of people in a rugby team and create fantastic memories, so keep training hard”.
“My dream is to play for England.”
In a follow up interview with Jenson for Jill Dando News, he said, “I was so shocked when the player called my name. It was also great to have a personal chat with Marcus himself – it has given me the push I needed.”
“I first put on a rugby shirt at the age of six after watching the sport on TV. My dream is to play for England.”
After the interview Marcus said, “I was blown away by the level of professionalism amongst the WCSA students”.
He also strongly advised the students, “to make the most of your P.E. sessions and always persevere”.
Student Kiaran Watts said: “With only a few matches away from potentially qualifying for the 2023 World Cup the students at Jill Dando wish him the best of luck!" https://worle-school.org.uk
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