Stockdale’s award joy

The outside centre is believed to be the first player from the school to win the prestigious award since Ulster and Ireland star Chris Henry.

Stockdale, 18, certainly has aspirations of following in Henry’s footsteps saying that it would be a ‘dream come true’ to represent his country.

The teenager is currently undertaking his A Level exams at Wallace and will soon leave the school.

He finished his Wallace rugby career on a high with an impressive year, reaching the Schools’ Cup semi final where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Methody.

Stockdale impressed along the way, also having been selected to represent Ireland at Under 18 level at the European Championships in Poland over Easter.

He commented: “Winning the award was unbelievable.

“It was really just a super season. Our team was absolutely class. I loved playing with them and it was great to get to the semi final together.

“We said beforehand that we wanted to be as good as Methody, and we were. The way we played, I’m just so proud of everybody.”

Stockdale, who captained the Wallace side on three occasions throughout the season, gets his love of rugby from his father and grandfather who both played for Ballyclare High School, whilst his grandfather also played for Antrim Town.

“I was destined to play rugby,” he stated. “If it wasn’t in the blood, it was forced in.

“It is definitely my dream to play for a senior team. For now I hope to go to Queens to study psychology and continue to work with the Ulster Academy.”

Stockdale, who says he admires players like Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll and Ulster’s Jared Payne, said he was ‘elated’ to win the Player of the Season award.

“I knew I was nominated along with two others, but when it was announced I had won there was disbelief, just absolute surprise. I didn’t know I was going to win, I was absolutely elated.”

Speaking about the past season, Stockdale said: “I’d say this season was successful, getting to the semi final of the Schools’ Cup and then the final of the European Championships with Ireland. It was different to every other year as I was able to perform in important matches.”

Full of praise for the rugby system at Wallace, Stockdale added: “Wallace has grown me as a player. Derek Suffern and Neil Hinds have been infuential coaches who have really helped me.”

Looking to the future for Wallace and their hopes for next season after he leaves, Stockdale said: “There’s a lot of brilliant young players coming through and the lower sixth guys I played with this year, there are some astonishing guys. I think they can do really well next season.”