SEDBERGH 1ST XV VICE CAPTAINS SIGN PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS

Sedbergh School 1stXV Vice Captains Maxwell Davies (E) and Alistair Crossdale (P) have signed professional contracts to play rugby for two leading Rugby Union clubs following their A Level exams this summer.

Max, 18, from Kirkby Lonsdale, has signed with Newcastle Falcons and Ali, 18, from Manchester, has signed with Saracens. 

Max Davies, Second Row, has played for North U16s, England Saxons U16s, Sale Sharks U18, England U17, Newcastle U18, England U18 and U19. Max told EnglandRugby.com that Buskholme remains his favourite ground. “It can’t be beaten at schools level when ‘the firm’ is in full voice.”

He went on, “Signing my first professional contract has been a huge ambition for a number of years and playing at Sedbergh over the last few years have been a massive help. I’m grateful for all the help and support from the coaches along the way. I’m hugely looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby career with Newcastle falcons.” 

Ali Crossdale, Fly-Half or Full-Back, is one of six players joining Saracens Academy this season. He said: “Having had an amazing two years at Sedbergh, I am extremely excited to be joining Saracens next season. I’ve always dreamt about playing professional rugby and the fact that I’ve signed my first contract is still something I’m yet to get my head around!  

I am however hugely thankful to all the people who have helped get me to where I am and I look forward to what lies ahead at a fantastic club! I’m hoping to also tie in full-time rugby alongside a degree at UCL so it is important I carry on working hard at school until I start pre-season at the end of June!”

Saracens Academy Manager, Don Barrell, said: “We are very excited to welcome Ali to the club this summer. These players have promising futures ahead of them and we’re looking forward to helping them realise their potential and work incredibly hard on and off the field.”

Simon Mulholland, 1st XV Coach for SSFC, said: “I am delighted to see that Ali and Max have both signed with Saracens and Falcons respectively for the upcoming season.

They both thoroughly deserve this opportunity and it is very pleasing to see their individual form over the past two seasons for the school be rewarded with a professional contract within the premiership academy system. I would like to wish them both the very best of luck for the future, as always we will be monitoring their progress closely from Sedbergh.”