Diss vice-captain Shaun Blyth jumps up to join Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club
The jump is a significant one, but Diss’ Shaun Blyth felt he owed it to himself to test himself at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club.
The full-back or winger only took up the sport properly three years ago after being persuaded to give it a go by family members.
Since then he has become a key member of the Diss squad, and last season his status was rewarded with the vice captaincy.
Such performances did not go unnoticed and following an impressive showing during a county fixture at Bury’s GK IPA Haberden base, the National League 2 South outfit made their interest known.
Blyth has now agreed the switch – one which will see him move three levels up England’s rugby pyramid.
Time will tell if he is able to make the grade, yet the 24-year-old is looking forward to giving it his best shot once sport is able to resume.
“They approached me to sign and I have decided to give it a go,” said the Attleborough-based player.
“I am really happy to have had such a big club show some interest in signing me.
“Hopefully I will be able to cope at that level. I have had some conversations with Ben Cooper (player/coach) and Nick Wakley (head coach). They know my back story and that I have not been playing for long, but they think I am good enough to adapt, which has given me confidence.
“Bury have got some great facilities and great coaches over there which is only going to improve me as a player.
“It has been great at Diss but I want to push on to see how good a player I can become.
“It is an exciting challenge and one I am looking forward to; I cannot wait to get started.”
While Blyth is preparing to write a new chapter, he is also keen to express his gratitude towards the club he is leaving behind.
He had no experience of note upon arriving at Mackenders, but under the club’s coaches, he has developed his game greatly.
Blyth said: “It was a hard decision to leave because there are a lot of people at the club that have helped me to improve and learn the game.
“I have got a lot time for all of the boys at the club and it was tough to tell John (Bergin, captain) that I was going to be moving on. I was vice-captain last season and that meant a lot.
“The coach (Nick Greenhall) is also the best coach I have had since I got to Diss. He helped me to improve my game a lot.”