Basildon Rugby Club's Luke Hamm has returned from New Zealand proudly clutching a World Cup winners' medal.
The 19-year-old flanker was called up to the Wales squad for the first-ever Deaf Rugby World Cup. And he did his nation proud as the team won through to beat their Kiwi hosts 28-14 in the final at Eden Park.
Luke qualified to play for Wales through his mother, who lives in the principality.
Luke's father John said: "There's not many people in Europe, let alone Essex, who can boast they have won the rugby World Cup, but Luke can.
"He was over the moon by his success and said he had had a great time out there.
"He was really proud to represent his country and delighted that Wales beat New Zealand for the first time ever."
On Friday, Luke will be making a presentation to his former Ghyllgrove School. He has already given his Welsh shirt to Basildon Rugby Club, where he has been playing since the age of nine.
Published Tuesday October 22, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article