A PAIR of young North Ayrshire rugby stars have their sights set on the professional game.

Ardrossan Accies pair Neil Mulholland and Callum Davies are now pushing for selection for the Glasgow Warriors under 16 squad after being included in a Glasgow and West regional academy side at the same age group.

The duo have shown outstanding dedication and plenty of hard work at training to push their way into contention for the Warriors select squad, which is chosen from the best young players in the Glasgow, West of Scotland and Caledonia regions - covering, in a rugby sense at least, half the country.

Neil, a pupil at Ardrossan Academy, hails from Saltcoats and has spent all of his formative years at the Accies playing at hooker or in the back row.

A powerful runner and destructive tackler, Neil has tormented many an opposition player with his ferocious ability.

His time at the region has taught him some of the additional work that needs to go on to shape a future professional player such as nutrition, strength and conditioning work.

His future plans are to become a professional rugby player, whilst also gaining academic qualifications in the sports and fitness industry.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Callum Davies (left) and Neil Mulholland (right).

Callum, a pupil at Largs Academy, is a relatively new arrival at the Accies, having relocated from the West Midlands.

His former club, Birmingham and Solihull Bees, will certainly miss his rampaging runs and deft handling skills in the back row.

Since being selected at for the regional squad, Callum has also started playing in the front row, and has taken to the more physically demanding role with ease.

Like Neil, he’s learned that sensible nutritional planning is key to maintaining the energy levels needed for the hours of training, the games and growing.

He too, would love a chance at a career in professional rugby, with the added option of studying sports science and coaching.

An Ardrossan Accies spokesperson commented: "This massive success is testament to their own natural talent and ability with the addition of untold hours of training and conditioning.

"Both boys have been extremely bright stars in the Accies U16 team and will no doubt have brighter futures ahead of them.

"With the form displayed already plus their current trajectory, there’s every reason to believe that Neil and Callum will realise these goals and enter the world of professional rugby.

"The entire Ardrossan Accies community would be just as delighted as the boys."