Egglescliffe Student scores for England at the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup
Nathan Williams, a talented student from Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College, has achieved an incredible milestone: representing England at the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ireland!
The international tournament brought together teams from across the globe, including Belgium, France, Ireland, South Africa, and Wales. Competing in the U20s second team, 17-year-old Nathan impressed by scoring two tries in a thrilling match against France.
Touch rugby: Fast, inclusive and strategic
Touch rugby is an exciting, fast-paced version of the game that focuses on speed, skill, and teamwork — without the heavy contact of traditional rugby. It’s a sport that welcomes players of all ages and genders, promoting inclusion and collaboration both on and off the field.
Nathan’s passion for the sport runs deep. He said: “Both my parents played touch rugby and introduced me to the game when I was eight and living in Holland.
“I’ve played contact rugby since Year 7 and hope to continue both at university. I love touch rugby because it’s fast-paced and strategic. I’m looking forward to the next trials and hope to be selected for the first team next time.”
Juggling sporting and academic success simultaneously
Alongside his sporting success, Nathan is excelling academically, studying A levels in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. He hopes to study engineering at Cambridge University, inspired by his parents, who are both engineers and have worked around the world.
Lee Henderson, Deputy Head at Egglescliffe School, said: “Wearing an England shirt offers a sense of pride that can be shared throughout the whole school and sixth form. We are all immensely pleased for Nathan and can’t wait to see what he does next — both on the sports field and in his studies.”
After-school lessons to help students reach goals.
Egglescliffe School is ranked number one in the Tees Valley for sixth form provision by The Sunday Times and rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
With a recent £12 million investment in facilities, the school offers exceptional opportunities for its students. Half of its learners progress to Russell Group universities, with a 100% pass rate across 21 subjects — 25% of which are awarded A or A*.
Nathan added: “Egglescliffe Sixth Form is great — it has amazing facilities and teachers, and even offers after-school lessons to help us reach our goals.”
Pride across the region and beyond
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, praised Nathan’s success, saying: “Nathan’s achievement is a fantastic example of the talent and determination that shines across our region’s schools. Balancing high academic achievement with representing England on the international stage is no small feat. He’s an inspiration to students across the North East.”
Nathan’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and pride, both for his school and for the region. Whether in the classroom or on the rugby pitch, he’s proving that the North East’s young people are ready to take on the world!
Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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