Meet Jayden Boyle

Rugby Player Jayden Boyle

Jayden enjoys most sports but regularly plays rugby union and now touch rugby.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

Andy one of my Ellon rugby coaches suggested having a go at touch rugby last year but sadly after a bad injury play rugby union I had to wait 5 months. Then it was a good way to get back running around again learning a new version of the sport I love.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

The touch rugby community and the fire birds were very kind to let me have a run around with them during training and the league matches in Aberdeen.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

The biggest challenge was getting back after injury or rather doing what I was told and not rushing back but one back and learning touch rugby trying to remember I was playing touch rugby not Union was hard. The speed, structure and rules are totally different. The more I've got into it the more I can see how I can use things I've learnt both in union and touch.

What are your goals for the coming year?

My main goal for touch rugby was to be selected to represent Scotland X15s (mixed under 15s) at the youth championships being held in Vichy France.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

I don't have a training programme specific to touch rugby unless I'm at a touch training session then it's drills and games. I train and play a few sports in and out of school which involve doing lots of aerobic/cardio normally 5 days a week then 3 days light anaerobic spread throughout the week. I don't go to heavy on anaerobic/weights exercises as only 14 but another year and this will increase.

Yes training can stop me meeting up with school friends but I have an even bigger group of friends through training and playing sports.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

Being able to communicate, learn quickly and not letting setbacks stop me.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

Four competitions- Aberdeen touch rugby league, Stirling touch tournament, Glasgow open mixed tournament.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

Keeping your head up, staying calm and positive no matter what are big parts of dealing with setbacks. During training if something goes wrong then not letting it get to you helps see how or what when wrong and hopefully a way to fix it. While competing if you let things affect you to much it will impact your game. Park it, move on, you can break it down after the game or at next training session.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

I don't just have one - Finn Russell, Dan Carter and Ritchie Mo'unga.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Being selected to represent Scotland!

What helps you to stay motivated and focussed during your training?

The harder I train the easier the game should be and if I put the effort in then it can lead to better things.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

When you start any new sport it will be hard at first- not being fit enough, knowing what to do or not knowing anyone. Keep going, set easy goals to start with and try and have lots of fun.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

The talented athlete pass will allow me access to facilities, equipment I've never used before letting me develop a proper training program especially out of season. I'm also looking forward to having the opportunity to try a different sport that can help with my overall fitness and wellbeing.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Scottish Touch Rugby can be found on Instagram, Facebook and online