Like any other rugby-mad youngster, Dubai Exiles teenager Noah Sheridan dreams of playing professionally.
The difference between the 16-year-old Victory Heights protege and most other bright talents, however, is that the stars could be aligning for the young openside flanker.
For starters, Sheridan has been coached closely by former dual code Samoan star Apollo Perelini at his Rugby Skills Academy throughout his childhood in the UAE.
That looks like it’s starting to pay dividends after he was offered a sports scholarship at prestigious UK-based public school, Millfield.
The Somerset institution is famed for producing greats of the game, such as former Wales and British & Irish Lions legendsGareth Edwards and JPR Williams, as well as current England internationals Jonathan Joseph and Chris Robshaw.
Head of rugby is John Mallett, the former Bath and England prop, so Sheridan has every chance to be the next player off the Millfield production line when he joins the ranks in September.
“Millfield is a really good school and I’m excited about it. It’s a step up and hopefully some good things will happen,” said Sheridan, who bases his game on Australia’s whirlwind force, Michael Hooper.
“The aim is to play rugby professionally, hopefully. I’m committed to it but you obviously have to be good, stay injury free and be in the right place at the right time, so many factors have to go for you so we’ll see how it goes. I’ve just got to keep my feet on the ground.”
The family, originally from London, have lived in the Emirates for 24 years, with Sheridan born in Abu Dhabi.
His father Marek is also his Exiles coach and believes his son’s rugby education in the UAE will serve him well.
“Noah went to the UK in November to do an assessment for a number of schools for sixth form, including Millfield, then we got the call and we were delighted,” said Sheridan senior.
“It’s an incredible set-up there with John Mallett as head of rugby. Noah’s a great player, he punches above his weight and is so committed. He’s been that way since he was nine.
“He’s not the biggest openside but is quick, strong and excellent over the ball. He is a constant threat both in attack and defense.
“They’re not just my words but have been echoed by Apollo who’s worked with Noah at the academy for a number of years, we owe a great deal to Apollo and his team.”
In one of his last games in an Exiles shirt, Sheridan and his team-mates claimed a 19-0 victory against Abu Dhabi Harlequins in the final of the Under-16’s A competition at last month’s HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai, and the teenager was glad to sign off in style.
He said: “It was the last one for a lot of us so we really wanted to win and leave our legacy at the club. We’ve known each other for a while so we really wanted to do it for each other.”