Shute Shield: Englishman Chris Bell right at home with Eastwood
He came to Sydney from the UK for a look around and to play a bit of rugby. Three years on Chris Bell is still here with a Shute Shield debut under his belt.
Hills Shire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hills Shire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Shute Shield Rd 3: News, scores, ladder
- Two Blues hulk out to make impact
- Phil Kearns snares top rugby job
Englishman Chris Bell’s dream was to see a bit of Australia while playing some rugby union for a couple of months.
Now around two and a half years after he had tickets on a return flight back to the UK he’s still here, working fulltime and playing in the premier club rugby Shute Shield competition.
BIG CHOICE: Why young Pirates star chose rugby over AFL
THANKS MATE: How Facebook triggered US rugby post
“I was only supposed to be here for five months to see Sydney,’’ said Bell, who has moved up from subbies to play for Eastwood in the 2020 Shute Shield.
“I came out and played for Petersham in the subbies but halfway through I got an injury.
“I fractured my fibula and displaced my ankle and then got blood clots so I couldn’t fly home.
“I decided to stay a bit longer and now three years later I’m still here.’’
The 24-year-old Bell now lives in Randwick but works at Sydney Olympic Park which makes the trek to Eastwood training relatively easy.
SEVENS STARS: Olympics to club rugby for guns
SOS CALL: Answered at chicken shop
After being contacted by coach Ben Batger last year he made his Shute Shield debut last month
“I came off the bench against Southern Districts in round one and then got my first start on Saturday against the Pirates which was great,’’ he said.
Eastwood is currently sitting in sixth place on the Shute Shield ladder with three wins from four games.
On Saturday they will plays the Two Bluesat Lidcombe Oval in round five.