TEENAGE rugby star, Fred Kempton, is paving his way to playing professional rugby after starring for the Bath under-18 team where he has helped his team reach a Premiership final.
Back-row Fred who is 16, started playing rugby in Melksham and for the last two years he has been playing with the Bath Rugby Academy, where he is now in the under-18s team.
“Going into this year, I was able to make my first start against Harlequins where we won 32 – 29. Our academy side has been unbeaten in over 500 days which means hopefully this year we can be the first ever Bath Rugby under-18s team to reach a Premiership final and then to win it would mean the world.
“This pathway has been a massive part of my life for just over two years now after I first trialled, back in November 2021, to be a part of the Bath Rugby under-15’s Developing Player Programme. Previously to this I have only ever played my rugby for Melksham, from under 5s to under 16s.
“Last year I was able to train and play a block with the under-17s and challenge myself with bigger opposition, with the help from coaches like Nathan Catt, Luke Charters and Louis Messer.
“Since then, I have moved to Beechen Cliff School in Bath, where I have been playing Academy Colleges and Education rugby; this has been a massive part in my development. being able to go to school with your teammates and build those connections off the pitch, making friends for life.
“There’s lot that could happen in the future but my plan is to stay in this environment for as long as I can; I still have a year left in my academy journey so I plan to work as hard as I can and take every opportunity given to me, to give me the best chance I can to succeed.”
Coach of Melksham Rugby Club’s Colts team, Fred’s dad, Ian Kempton said, “I am extremely proud as a coach and as a dad that he’s had the opportunity and he’s put the hard work in. He’s got a good attitude and hopefully it should stand him in good stead.”
