Kempsey's Heath Lancaster has been selected into the Australian Under-18s rugby sevens side to compete at the World School Sevens tournament in Auckland next month.
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Despite representing NSW at the national rugby sevens carnival last year and participating in the NSW rugby union development academy, the call up to the Australian squad came as a shock to Heath.
The Kempsey Cannonballs first grade player hasn't laced up his boots in almost three months, as he turned his focus on completing his HSC.
However, Heath was overcome with excitement when he was notified he would compete for a world title.
"It came as a big surprise, I have been doing my HSC and focusing on my studies so I haven't been playing any rugby at all," Heath told the Argus.
"I couldn't relieve believe it. I knew the tournament was coming up but I didn't think I would get in the side.
"But I am really excited and I can't wait to head to New Zealand and represent my country."
The 18-year-old is looking forward to challenging himself and taking on the best players in his age group from across the globe.
"I will play against and alongside some of the best athletes in my age group in the world," Heath said.
"It will be a great opportunity to improve as a player. I will receive great coaching and learn from the other players I am facing and playing with as well.
"I will be playing at the highest level in my age group, it's a great opportunity to show what I am capable of.
"It will be incredible to be a part of a side which has the potential to win it."
Heath, who plays five-eighth in the 15-man game, will play the role of scrumhalf and be a playmaker in the rugby sevens team.
The St Paul's College student will also take on the responsibility of performing kick offs and conversions.
Heath also excels at the 15-man game, earning numerous representative honours in recent years, but he admits to preferring the uptempo style of the sevens format.
"I have played a fair bit of sevens and I really like it, I rather it more than 15s," he said.
"I like the space you get on the field and playing three or four games a day."
There are 16 sides competing at the World School Sevens with the majority of the teams from the Asia-Pacific, but the USA and Canada are also represented.
After returning from New Zealand, Heath will continue to transition into life in Sydney after making the move from Kempsey to join the Warringah Rats Colts for next season.
Heath will take a gap year from studying and sink his teeth into improving as a rugby player.
"Hopefully I can get involved in the Warringah's rugby sevens program throughout the summer and then be in a good position to play well for the Colts next season," Heath said.
"Then hopefully I can work my way into the senior grades over the next few years."
The Rats compete in the semi-professional rugby union Shute Shield competition in Sydney.
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