Waterhouse loving new life in paradise

TAKE A LOOK AT THAT . . . Adam Waterhouse with trophy

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THE scorching climate of the Bahamas may not be the obvious location to establish a hotbed of rugby, but Adam Waterhouse is giving it a good go.

The 29-year-old teacher saw an online advertisement, decided the time was right to take the plunge and made the 4,000-mile move around Christmas, 2015.

Adam had played for Oldham Rugby Union Club from the age of seven right up to his move to the West Indies.

And now, as a player and former coach of the successful Cuckoos side, he is aiming to help the game of rugby flourish.

CHALLENGE

"I really enjoyed my job back home but I wanted a challenge and to try something different," said Adam, who grew up in Oldham and attended Crompton House.

"After all, as the saying goes 'it's better in the Bahamas'.

"Rugby is a growing sport here, but it lacks investment and is often overshadowed by the more popular American sports like basketball and baseball.

"I am hoping to have an influx of players and a wider youth base following the Youth Commonwealth Games which occur in July.

"The aim is to leave a legacy from the games and potentially set up a new club."

High school PE teacher Adam's Nassau-based Cuckoos side, for whom he plays fly-half with the occasional foray into the back row, have enjoyed plenty of success.

Losing only two games in their 20th anniversary season - to Bailou in the Nassau Cup and Freeport in the Bahamas Cup, by two and one point respectively - they claimed the Nassau Cup, Bahamas cup and won the pennant for a top-of-the-table finish.

"The Cuckoos also have a strong contingent within the Bahamas National team, which I have started to help coach," said Adam, who works at Queen's College in Nassau.

"We are inviting Oldham RUFC to tour over here and play the Cuckoos and the Renegades, which is a select side for international selection."

No doubt that will prove to be a popular trip for those following in the footsteps of a rugby pioneer in paradise.