Billy joined Bristol in the close season on an academy arrangement but has obviously impressed for Andy Robinson to give the Okehampton youngster his opportunity.

Billy joins Richard “Bazz” Barrington (Saracens) as O.R.F.C “former pupils” who have made it into the top flight in recent times.

Bazz is a regular feature in the match day squad at Saracens having made over 80 appearances whilst gaining Premiership and European Cup winning medals last season . The Ashwater farmer’s son began his rugby at Okehampton as an U14 coming to prominence as a bullocking No.8 at U16 and a key member of a successful Colt side . Bazz went to Hartpury at 16 but maintained a strong loyalty to his mates and club by coming home at weekends to play for the Colts .Over the next 4-5 seasons he became an influential member of a very strong group that included the likes of England’s Johnny May .During his time at Hartpury , Richard was selected for England students and the much revered Barbarians.

On leaving Hartpury Bazz had an outstanding season with championship outfit Jersey before being invited to Saracens in 2013.

Like Richard , Billy began his rugby with the club’s junior section pulling on the Devon County shirt at U16 and U18 and was a key member of the all conquering 2012-13 Colts team that finished an unbeaten season with the clubs name on the Devon Colts Cup. Understandably with aspirations of a higher level Billy spent the next season at Launceston where he became one of the first names on the team sheet before being invited to Plymouth Albion by Graham Dawe .

Billy proved himself more than capable at National League level where his performances were noted by Bristol . Barely 2 months into the current season and some impressive A team and Academy performances now see Billy being given the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level of club rugby the game has to offer and no doubt all at Okehampton wish him well.

Billy and Richard began and developed their rugby capabilities at Okehampton and are the ultimate testimony to the hard work put in over many years not only to develop players but to provide the continuity so important to a club like ours and while we applaud their achievements , the success of the continuity we strive so hard to maintain is even more evident on any Saturday afternoon when the vast majority of those guys pulling on the Maroon and Amber have followed an identical path through the club’s Junior and Colts
Section.

No doubt many will turning on the telly tonight to watch Billy’s debut and will be keeping a watching brief on both his and Richard’s progress throughout the season and beyond, while it is not unreasonable to expect others to follow in their footsteps in years to come.