A COLWYN Bay rugby star has been selected on to a prestigious Academy programme at one of the United Kingdom’s most decorated clubs.

Josh Lynch, a Year 10 pupil and sports scholar at Rydal Penrhos School, is now part of the Sale Sharks Academy programme after impressing considerably during his participation in their player development pathway over the last two seasons.

The 14-year-old has also been fast-tracked into their U16 side despite his age in further recognition of the impact he has made during his time within the set-up, and will train every Monday at their North West base.

It has been a memorable 18 months for the Bay resident, who recently captained RGC West to a Dewar Shield triumph over their East counterparts, and will still be involved with the Gogs’ in addition to his development with the Sharks.

Lynch is also a Team GB youth weightlifter and made a hugely impressive debut at the European Championships during the summer before injury hampered his medal chances in the closing stages of the competition.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “This represents yet another significant achievement for Josh, who is an enormously talented individual who is working and training incredibly hard to get better on a daily basis.

“Sale Sharks have one of the most outstanding Academy programmes anywhere in the country and Josh’s involvement is a further indication of the exceptional work being done by our staff to improve and develop each aspiring sportsperson living and learning at Rydal Penrhos.”