Congratulations to recent leaver Harry Mills, who has just signed his first professional contract with Rugby League side Warrington Wolves. We sat down with Harry to discuss this amazing achievement, his time at King's and what lies in store for him at the Super League side.

Hi Harry, many congratulations! Tell us how this all came about:

Thank you! Gary Chambers, Warrington's Director of Rugby, watched me playing for the Bristol Bears U18 side and invited me for a trial. I spent most of December on trial with them and am delighted that they have offered me a one year contract with an option to extend.

How did you get into Rugby League? Obviously at King's and then in your time in the Gloucester and Bristol Academies, you were playing Union - how will you cope with the transition?

My Dad and I have always been big fans of Rugby League and have watched it ever since I was young. As well as my time playing Union, I have also played quite a lot of League including for the Bristol All Golds team (pictured below). I love it and can't wait to dedicate myself to the sport.

Tell us about your time at King's, how did Mr Barr and the staff help you to get where you are now?

All of the sports teachers were amazing. I joined in Lower Sixth and they, along with all of my friends and teammates, helped me to feel part of the team straight away. The level of coaching was amazing, improved my skills as well as understanding the game better and helping me to become fitter and stronger. I am so thankful for all of their support!

Mr Barr in particular has played a huge part in my Rugby life. When I was released from the Gloucester Academy, I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep pursing it, but he was the one who encouraged me to keep going and got me trials at Cardiff and Bristol, and even drove me to those trials. His Rugby experience is outstanding and that really comes across in his coaching; he spends hours watching film and knew my own game better than I did, meaning he could show me areas in which I could improve.

Outside of sport, how did King's help you?

My two years at King's improved my communications skills, experiencing new environments and meeting new people really helped with my confidence. As I said I was new into Lower Sixth, and I think that experience of being the new boy will really help when I move to Warrington.

How are you feeling about moving away from home?

I am really excited, I loved my time there on trial and am really looking forward to getting back up there and playing. Some of my friends from King's are at university around there and it will be really nice to hopefully see more of them. 

What does this season look like for you?

I will be joining the U21 side and I can't wait for the fixtures to start in February. It will be a lot of hard work but I'm really excited to get started!

Thank you very much Harry, congratulations again and good luck!
 

Harry playing for the Bristol All Golds