Tynedale First XV’s utility back, Ross Cooke, has been impressing on the left wing for Poland in the Rugby Europe Trophy, winning his 9th cap in Poland’s 43-10 victory over Lithuania on Saturday April 9th.
That victory meant Poland finished as runners up in the league and ensured their promotion into next season’s Rugby Europe Championship.

The Rugby Europe Championship is Europe’s tier 2 competition and is made up of the top 8 countries below the countries playing in the 6 Nations. Next season those 8 countries will be Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Netherland, Russia(in theory), Belgium and Poland.

Ross, who qualifies for Poland through his maternal grandfather, was brought up and played his early rugby at Lincoln. He then attended the University of Gloucester where he played for the University before joining Maidstone in Kent. Job opportunities then took him to the Scottish Borders where he played for Kelso and then Gala.

28 year-old Ross joined Tynedale from Gala last close season and so far this season he has played for our 1stXV in 21 matches and is our second top point scorer with 59 points (6 tries, 7 conversions, 5 penalties).

Congratulations Ross and good luck with Poland in the higher tier next season.