CALDY RUFC’s Derek Salisbury – or Degsy to anyone who has ever met him – is riding the crest of a wave at present.
Fresh from his starring performance in Caldy’s last minute victory over league leaders Loughborough Students last weekend, Derek attended his first training session with the England students’ squad on Sunday.
And next week he will start his new post with the RFU as the head coach for the Liverpool Rugby Academy.
Last September, Derek started studying at Edge Hill University following the completion of an access course. He has played a leading role in the Ormskirk university’s rugby union side which has led to his call-up for the England students’ side.
Derek said: “I received a call from the England students management and was asked to attend a two-day trial.
“Following the trial, I got an email saying that I had been selected. I am over the moon and cannot wait to pull the England shirt on.
“The training sessions are really tough but I am sure I will become a better player as a result of this experience.”
Derek has gone from strength to strength as a player this season under the expert tutelage of Matt Holt and Stuart Turner and sums up his and Caldy’s campaign to date.
“It has been a decent season so far. We have started the New Year with a bang by beating top of the league Loughborough and I hope the good form continues for the remainder of the season.
“I have worked really hard this season with my coaches Matt and Stu on both my discipline and my set-piece which has resulted in a huge improvement to my game.
“I do not intend to sit on my laurels though and will continue to improve my all-round game.” Derek added: “I have been at Caldy now for four seasons and each season my game has come on leaps and bounds.
“I really enjoy playing for Caldy; it is a great club, full of great personalities and I would recommend it to anyone who takes their rugby seriously and wants to improve as a player.”
Derek was also told that he had also been chosen by the Rugby Football Union as their head coach for the Liverpool Rugby Academy, following his work as a volunteer in the Liverpool Community.
It will be Derek’s job to promote rugby with children who are not normally exposed to the game and encourage them to join their local rugby clubs.
Derek said: “I was asked to coach the Liverpool Rugby Academy by the Rugby Football Union and am relishing the job.”
Matt Holt said: “Degsy is maturing typically like a front row forward and a good red wine, these things take time. He has come on leaps and bounds and the help of Stuart Turner has improved his technique.
“He is starting to channel his passion for the game into positive play. He is a great character to have around the changing room, he is always involved in the action on and off the pitch.”
THIS weekend, Caldy’s first XV travel to Leicester Lions (kick-off 2pm). Caldy second XV visit Waterloo and the third XV have a home game against Warrington.
