Thanet Wanderers Rugby Union Football Club are pleased, and very proud, to announce that one of their U17s players has excelled in his first senior game… that just happened to be for the National Norwegian Men’s XV against West Sweden!
Cary Wright, Director of Rugby at Thanet Wanderers, writes, “Marius Thompson, has an abundance of natural talent. He trained with our senior squad for most of last season and, along with another couple of lads from the U17s, showed remarkable potential, he would have played his first senior game for Thanet Wanderers, last season, if he were not so young, he only became available for selection after the season has ended!
As part of our club’s direction, we are working really hard on development, we are working on developing Rugby in local schools and for members of our community and we are working hard on transitioning our junior players into the senior game. It is therefore fantastic, for everyone involved at Thanet Wanderers to have such great development success so early into our 3-year plan. Without our team of dedicated coaches, players, supporters and sponsors, none of this would be possible
Everyone at Thanet Wanderers feels tremendously proud of Marius’s achievement and have no doubt that he continue to grow during this season’s International games, commencing in September.”
Ben Scully writes, “In my position as Head Coach of the Norwegian Mens XV team, as well as developing a team that can gain success on the international scene, part of my job description is to help to grow and develop the profile and quality of the game in Norway. In order to do this, I feel that is is important that we discover and nurture as much young Norwegian talent in key positions as possible; to ensure that the national team can one day break the mould of relying on foreign blood to shape the game and to show young aspiring players that their is a route to play International sport for their country. I am pleased to say that Marius Thompson may allow us to develop both of these targets.
I was made aware of Marius, as an up and coming talent, by Thanet Wanderer’s Director of Rugby, Cary Wright. Although his CV was impressive, at only 17 my initial thoughts were that this would be a player to bring in to the squad with the long term aim of developing him over a number of years before placing him in a senior playing position. I was pleasantly surprised with the player that attended our recent training camp in Horten. Marius is certainly a confident character, mature beyond his years, who was not afraid to embrace his role at Fly Half and as one of the teams tactical leaders. As well as a great attitude his skill set is very impressive, with his ability to kick, pass and run causing defender to second guess what he may do next. Credit must be given to both his youth and senior coaching staff at Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School and Thanet Wanderers RUFC for developing such an exciting young talent with such a well-rounded game.
I look forward to my continued work with Thanet Wanderers to continue to develop Marius, and I am hoping that they have a few more Norwegians hidden somewhere about the club!”
Greg Wooldridge, from Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School writes, “We are all really proud of how Marius has progressed over the last few years. He has always impressed on the rugby pitch and
led by example to his peers. In recent years Marius has really pushed on both in skill level and his understanding and game management.
To see Marius not only undertake a week away with the Norwegian rugby but to excel gives us great pride and a real model for the younger students here at Chatham and Clarendon. Marius is again the vice captain for the 1st XV this season where I am sure his recent experience will aid those around him”.
Rob Walton, coach at Thanet Wanderers says, “I have coached Marius since under10’s at Thanet Wanderers, throughout this time I knew he had the potential to develop into a good rugby player. He has an excellent skill set, a good turn of pace and has mastered the show and go.
Over the years he has always showed commitment and the desire to improve as a player; this has been reflected in his performance at training and during matches.”
Picture shows Marius with Norway Head Coach, Ben Scully
26 July 2018
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