Aylesford Bulls youngster George Oram has won a rugby scholarship in New Zealand.

The 18-year-old Kent under-20 No.8 will join the Inside Running Academy next March, a joint venture with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, run by All Blacks strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill, based at Tauranga on North Island.

Oram (pictured), who has been with the Bulls since the age of six, was first XV skipper at Maidstone Grammar School before leaving after his A-levels to take a gap year.

He missed the whole of the 2010/11 season because of illness and is now working on his fitness ahead of the trip.

The 22-week scholarship runs until August, coinciding with the New Zealand domestic season. The Inside Running Academy website says: "Our goal is to provide a development experience that empowers players with the tools to reach rugby potential.

"It is unique in that it can be tailored for players of all levels and provide players with the opportunity to play club rugby in addition to training full-time."

Oram’s father Steve, who played for Linton before they merged with the Bulls and now coaches the club’s second team said: "We had to submit video evidence and photographs to prove George has the potential they are looking for.

"The fact he is playing regular first-team rugby and representing Kent served him well."

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