A TALENTED rugby league player is trying to raise £2,000 to pursue his dream of representing Wales Students at the 2017 World Cup in Australia.

Sion Jones, of Barry, now in his first year at university in Leeds, needs to self-fund the trip which happens once in only four years and is therefore a “once in a lifetime chance.”

The former Ysgol Sant Curig and Ysgol Bro Morgannwg pupil has played rugby since the age of five for Sully Sports RFC and Penarth RFC.

Aged 11 he became interested in Rugby League and represented Pontyclun Panthers, South Wales Scorpions at under-16s, Academy and 1st team levels.

Aged 16, Sion was approached by the Widnes Vikings Super League Club and lived away from home to follow his dreams of becoming a professional rugby league player.

He completed his education gaining his BTEC National Diploma with two distinction stars and a distinction.

He was given an unconditional offer to study sport and exercise science at Leeds Beckett University.

Mr Jones is already a first team player at the university which is very unusual for someone in their first year.

He currently plays for the University 1st Team and Halifax Reserves RLFC.

Mr Jones has represented Wales at under-16s, under-18s and Wales Students. All the Wales students and staff are funding themselves.

Mr Jones and the other students are under financial pressure as they are also funding their education.

Mum Kate Jones said: “Sion has achieved a lot in a short period of playing Rugby League.

"He is one of 20 students who have been picked to play. He is the only one picked from the Vale of Glamorgan.

"He is keen to promote the Sport especially in South Wales and he is looking for sponsorship for any local businesses.

“All the students are funding themselves.

"The money will be used for flights, accommodation, kit, food and transfers to the games.

"This is a chance of a lifetime for Sion and the other players.”

To support, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steve-jones-15?utm_id=106&utm_term=V3eEYBjXD