Hartpury is celebrating the selection of nine current students across three nations for the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championships, underlining the institution’s reputation for developing elite rugby talent on the international stage.
Representing England are Will Knight, Freddie Ogden Metherell and Keelan Freeman Price. Will and Keelan both advanced through Hartpury’s renowned ACE Rugby programme before progressing to Hartpury University, while Freddie is currently studying at Hartpury University.
The United States squad features two Hartpury University students, Spencer Huntley, who has been named captain, and Tyler Trower.
Hartpury will also be strongly represented in the Wales squad, with Cai Gealy, Deian Gwynne, who has been appointed co-captain, Caio James and Evan Minto all earning selection. Each player combines their rugby development with university study at Hartpury, having progressed through the institution’s successful ACE Rugby programme before continuing their academic and sporting journeys at Hartpury University.
The nine selections highlight Hartpury’s commitment to developing players both on and off the field through its integrated academic and performance rugby programmes, which have become a proven route to international honours.
Tim Stevenson, Senior Rugby Academy Manager at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see so many of our students selected to represent their countries at the World Rugby U20 Championships. Having players chosen across England, Wales and the USA is a testament to the quality of the rugby environment at Hartpury, as well as the commitment, resilience and ambition these young athletes demonstrate every day in balancing their academic and sporting pursuits.
We’re especially delighted to see Spencer named USA captain and Deian appointed Wales co-captain, recognition not only of their outstanding ability on the field but also of the leadership qualities they consistently display within their teams.
This achievement is also a moment of immense pride for their families, whose unwavering support, encouragement and sacrifices have played such an important role in each player’s journey. Representing your country on the world stage is a significant milestone, and we congratulate all the players and their families on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to following their progress throughout the tournament.”
The selections continue Hartpury’s long-standing record of producing international rugby players and demonstrate the strength of its partnership between elite coaching, education and athlete support.
Everyone at Hartpury wishes Will, Freddie, Keelan, Spencer, Tyler, Cai, Deian, Caio and Evan every success as they compete on the world stage.
