Patrick selected in Ireland Rugby Squad

Patrick Jones, a Sixth Form student at Merchant Taylors’ School, has been selected to play rugby for Ireland U18s.

The 17-year-old, who is captain of the school rugby team and also plays at Waterloo RFC, will represent his country against Italy at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo in Treviso on Saturday 30 October.

He took part in a series of training camps with Irish Exiles during the summer, where he captained the side at number 6 in matches against Ulster and Hartpury. He is expected to play a similar role for Ireland, with the ability to cover at second row where required.

Patrick is also part of the Sale Sharks Academy and has a prefect role at Merchant Taylors’, where he is this year’s Sport Scholar.

David Wickes, Headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Patrick and thoroughly deserved. He is an excellent role model for younger boys in the school, combining humility and courtesy with a high level of sporting commitment at school, his club and now for his national side, alongside an impressive dedication to his academic studies.

“Playing for Merchant Taylors’, Waterloo and his national team, he is of course following in the footsteps of some incredibly talented players, including Richard Greenwood, Ben Kay and Charlie Beckett. We wish him the very best of luck versus Italy and hope this is the first of many international caps for Patrick.”

Patrick Jones has been selected to play for Ireland U18s