Billy Griffiths interview

Billy Griffiths in action

Ask any athlete about their greatest achievement or biggest honour and most will say representing their country. Whether scoring the winning goal in a World Cup Final or winning a gold medal at the Olympics, international competition is the pinnacle of sport.

Through Student Rugby League, there are lots of great opportunities for players at university or college to represent their country. Someone who has been fortunate enough to wear the England crest on their shirt, and even tour with the Great Britain Pioneers is Huddersfield University student, Billy Griffiths.

He began playing Rugby League at the age of 14 after suffering a bad injury whilst playing football. Billy was told that he wouldn’t be able to kick a ball for a while so swapped the round shaped ball for the egg shaped one. The final year Product Design student played for his local amateur club Crigglestone All Blacks and is currently playing for his university.

It was through playing Rugby League at university that got him involved with the Great Britain Pioneers. “The Bradford Storm coach at the time spotted me when I played against Bradford for Huddersfield and he approached me, told me all about it and got me involved.”

“I went to Poland a couple of years ago and ended up getting the Man of the Tour award. Through getting that, I got asked to go back again.”

The objective of the Pioneers is help underdeveloped Rugby League countries to promote the sport with players and coaches providing tips to clubs, visiting schools and then playing sides in the country they visit. In 2013, Billy and the rest of the Pioneers toured Morocco where they came up against a few obstacles.

“I’m not sure of the ins and outs but the rugby union base in Morocco were trying to stop us spreading Rugby League because I think they were scared of us taking all the union players that they had been coaching and feeding money into. The police got involved and they tried banning some of our games which led to a lot of venues being changed and other problems.”

Billy’s passion for the game encapsulates what the Pioneers are all about. Despite some frustrations whilst on tour, he enjoyed the experience: “I love Rugby League so getting the sport out there in a positive way was brilliant. But it did get frustrating at times trying to coach basic skills. A lot of patience is needed but I really enjoyed the experience. To see how happy they were to play makes your day.”

“All the teams can’t wait to see us, they can’t wait to get involved. Both times I’ve been they’ve been more than welcoming, it’s just a brilliant experience all round.”

2013 was a big year for Rugby League internationally with the highlight being the World Cup in October. However, during the summer months there was a Festivals of World Cups which included competitions for students (men and women), police, armed forces and wheelchair.

While taking in part in trials for Yorkshire Students and subsequently playing in the Regional Championships, Billy was spotted by the coach of the England Students side. After a successful trial he was included in the squad for the Students Rugby League World Cup, something that Billy found really beneficial.

“It’s a very solid set up at England; it’s very professional with strict training regimes, strict gym regimes and strict diets, which I loved.”

“I’ve learnt so much playing for England, it’s one of the highest levels I’ve played at. To be able to challenge yourself and push your limits was really beneficial for me. It was also a chance to get amongst some really good players and coaches and learn off them and just to get a feel of a professional atmosphere too.”

Despite a disappointing end for the England Students in the World Cup Final; they were beaten 26-16 by Australia, there is so much for Billy Griffiths and other students playing Rugby League to look forward to in 2014.

“There’s a Great Britain Students tour taking place this summer which I’m hoping to be a part of. I’ve been picked to represent Yorkshire again and from that I’m hoping I will get picked to play in the Four Nations at the end of the year. There’s also the Pioneers tour to Ghana too.”