Personal Overview

Honours:

- Ulster Rugby Underage u16-u19

- Ireland u18 (2016+2017, Captain in 2017)

- Ireland u19 (2018)

- Ireland u20 Extended Squad (2019)

- Ulster Rugby ‘A’ Team (2018-2020, 20 caps)

- Ulster Rugby 1^st XV (2018 + 2019, 1 cap + 1 non-capped appearance)

- Edinburgh Rugby (2021- Present)

Playing Career

I joined Ballymena Academy in 2011 and immediately started playing rugby playing through all the age groups. I played 1^st XV rugby for 3 years, while also being selected for Ulster Rugby underage teams from 2015 onwards. In my first year of 1^st XV rugby, I was picked for the Ireland u18 team, playing a year young. I was selected to play for Ireland u18 again the following year, being named captain of the team which won the tri nations tournament. In my final year of school I was selected for Ireland u19 to play in a series against France, in the second game I partially captained the team due to the selected captain being injured. I was given a contract straight out of school to join the Ulster Rugby Academy, 6 months later I then made my debut for Ulster Rugby against Leinster. I then went on to play numerous ‘A’ games for Ulster in the Celtic Cup and also in many inter-provincial games. 

Following my experiences at Ulster Rugby, I decided to move over to Scotland to play with Heriots Rugby in the super6 competition. After playing several games, I was asked to train with Edinburgh Rugby on a trial basis. Following on from this trial, I was offered a partnership deal with Edinburgh Rugby and Heriots Rugby. 

Strengths

A key strength of my game is my kicking game. In the most recent Super6 competition, I sustained a goal kicking percentage above 80%, which was one of the top kicking stats across the 12 games. Alongside my goal kicking skills, I also have a large variety of kicks including spirals, spiral bombs and an accurate punt off both feet. Since coming to Scotland, I have developed my running game massively, learning the correct times to take the ball to the line and when to distribute early. With my height and frame, it allows me to offload more easily than shorter players would. 

Education and Qualifications 

Level 2 Coaching Course (Aspiring Coaches programme)

A-Levels - Media Studies, Sport Science and Construction

GCSE's - Mathematics, English Language, Media Studies, Biology, Chemistry, P.E, French, Spanish and History.

Previous Clubs

• 2016 - Ballymena Academy 1st XV
• 2018 - Ballymena RFC
• 2019 - Banbridge RFC
• 2018 - Ulster Rugby Academy
• 2016 - Ireland u18
• 2017 - Ireland u18
• 2018 - Ireland u19
• 2018 - Ireland u20 (Extended Squad)
• 2018 - Ulster Rugby 'A' Team
• 2019 - Ulster Rugby 1st XV
• 2021 - Heriots Rugby Club
• 2022 - Edinburgh Rugby

Coaching References

Available upon request. 

Email: brucehouston10@hotmail.com

Video Footage