Finn Lawson selected in the Australian schoolboys rugby union team

A Sunshine Coast teen sporting sensation is over the moon about his selection for a national rugby union team after admitting he knew little about the sport.

A rising Sunshine Coast sporting talent has earnt himself selection in the Australian U18 Rugby Union Schoolboys team and will travel to Japan in September.

Mountain Creek State High School student Finn Lawson was selected in the 27-man squad after representing the Sunshine Coast and then Queensland at the recent Australian Schools Rugby Championships in Sydney from July 5 to 9.

Lawson, who formerly played for the Nambour Crushers and currently plays for the Kawana Dolphins rugby league club, has limited experience playing rugby union and said he was shocked when heard he was picked for the Australian team.

“I’ve played rugby union at a school level but this was my first time at a representative level so it was a big shock because even when I was playing for the Sunshine Coast I was asking my teammates and coaches what to do half the time,” he said.

“It was a huge surprise to even get picked in the Queensland side so the Australian selection was an even bigger surprise and I was over the moon about it.”

Finn Lawson representing the Sunshine Coast (left) and Queensland (right). Picture: Kev Nagle photography.

The 16-year-old, who was selected as a winger, said it was a change from his normal position as a halfback or hooker for the Dolphins.

“I’m just continuing to learn everything really so I’m pretty happy with myself and it’s good to know that I’ll be coached from the best at this elite level,” Lawson said.

The grade 11 student would now take part in remote online training sessions through video workouts, skills and fitness drills before flying to Japan in September.

Finn Lawson has recently been selected in the Australian Schoolboys rugby union team. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mountain Creek State High School head of sport Cameron Boaza said he was proud of Lawson’s success.

“It’s very impressive what he’s done and I think he’s still learning the game of rugby union but it’s a credit to how hard he works,” he said.

“He might be league first currently but he’s going to have some decisions to make as I think he’ll have a variety of clubs chasing him but the world’s his oyster and all power to him.”