The 18-year-old plays as a prop for three of the Scarborough RUFC sides during the winter months and as a second row for the Scarborough Pirates in the summer.

He said: “I really enjoy playing both codes of the game because they are quite different.

“League is a much faster game but I also enjoy the intensity of union.”

Alex first started out playing rugby league at the age of 10 with Scarborough Pirates.

He explained: “I was playing league in both the summer and winter until the age group I was playing in (under-13s) folded.

“That was when I moved to rugby union and Scarborough which was quite an easy mood as I played union for my school St Augustine’s.”

Alex captained the school team for five years and now attends Sixth Form College where he is doing a sports course.

Next summer he plans on going to New Zealand where he hopes to do volunteer work for a club in Wellington coaching juniors and youth players.

Alex’s father Darrell played union for Scarborough in the 70s and his mum Sam is the club’s current youth co-ordinator.

Scarborough’s outgoing youth development officer Eddie Rakanui said: “Alex has played recently for our successful under-18s side in the floodlit league as well as representing the club in the senior second and third teams this campaign.

“His enthusiasm, skill level and leadership ability have allowed him to be an automatic selection in most team sheets.

“Above all though is his knowledge and understanding of the game which is very rare for young players of his age.”

But is it is not just on the pitch where Alex has made an impact.

Rakanui added: “Alex’s contribution to the club far exceeds his onfield participation through his commitment to our youth development programme.

“He currently coaches our under-14s team as well as regularly refereeing our under-13 and 16 junior teams.

“His involvment with the Sixth Form College higher sports leaders award allows him to run and assist school rugby festivals held at the new Scarborough RUFC clubrooms on Scalby Road.”

Scarborough Pirates club official Dave Marsden said: “Alex has done very well for us and we would always encourage lads to play both codes of the game as it keeps them fit all year round.”