Brendan proudly wearing his England Lionhearts shirt before and after the game
20 year old Brendan Cook has been selected for the England Lionhearts Amateur Rugby League side for their home international series, starting with a game against Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday. Brendan, who is studying at the West of England University in Bristol, still plays for Colchester RFC when he comes home to visit, but in the summer he turns out for the Ipswich Rhinos Rugby League side.
In May he represented the Eastern Division squad in the regional championships along with younger brother Adam and Pete Smith, both of whom also play for Colchester. His performance in those games impressed the England selectors enough to earn him an International call-up.
UPDATE
Brendan Cook described walking out in
an England Lionhearts shirt for his international debut as 'the greatest feeling
in the world'. The 20-year-old, from
Colchester, won his first cap in England's 28-26 victory over Scotland when the
rugby league amateur home international series kicked-off.
Cook, who plays for Colchester RFC and Ipswich Rhinos in the Rugby League Conference eastern division, soaked up a great atmosphere in Glasgow and said: "To play with some talented players who really wanted to do this and go out and do their best was terrific.
"When we walked out there in an England shirt, it was the greatest feeling in the world."
England built up a lead of 18 points then allowed the Scots to come back and push for victory.
Cook is now eagerly awaiting the opportunity to make his second international appearance, against Ireland, in Dublin, on July 10.
"I definitely want to get out there in Ireland and get another one, I just can't wait," he said. "All last week, all I could think about was that first cap and now all I can think about is that second cap."
Brendan proudly wearing his England Lionhearts
shirt before and after the game
8/6/04
updated 25/6/04
