With two weeks to go until the start of the Regional One Tribute Ale South West league season, newly promoted Weston-super-Mare have recruited 20-year-old Kiwi-born half-back, Jake Stewart.
Although born in New Zealand’s Palmerston North, Stewart grew up on Australia’s Gold Coast, where, at the age of 17, he represented Queensland Kiwis and was part of the Odessey XV’s invitational team at the World Schools Rugby Festival.
The following year, he represented Queensland South Africa 18s at the Pacific Youth Rugby Festival as well as Queensland Indigenous & Pasifika at the Global Youth Rugby 7s Festival in Auckland.
Stewart, who moved to Weston in August having spent last season with South-Cumbrian side Kirkby Lonsdale, can read the game, make quick decisions under pressure, and execute with precision.
Whether in attack or defence, he consistently demonstrates technical skill, tactical awareness, and an unrelenting competitive spirit.
“With the Club’s three senior sides all looking to push hard in their respective leagues this season, it is essential that we have a strong squad of players who are eager to push for selection,” said Weston’s director of rugby, Mark Matthews.
“There is no reason the Weston 1st XV can’t continue to emulate the success of last season and our United are firmly fixed on the top spot in their Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset South campaign.
“Jake’s passion for the game is incredible and his enthusiasm to develop and learn as a player has earned him great respect from all those involved with him during his time at various levels in Australia”
Weston-super-Mare have one more pre-season game, at home to North Petherton on Saturday, September 19, kick-off 2.30 pm, before their opening league game on Saturday, September 26, at home to Newent, kick-off 3 pm.
