Celtic League club Ebbw Vale has offered a one-year contract to a young American who backed himself and went to Wales to try out for the team with no guarantees.

Mike Cummings, 18, from Kansas City, has been invited to play for Ebbw Vale's U-21 side in 2002 after doing enough to impress the coaching and administrative staff during his brief trip to Wales this past September.

North Wales U-21 coach and Ebbw Vale stalwart Ian Jones was instrumental in
Cummings deciding to try his luck with the Welsh club after spotting the youngster in action at the 2000 Ruggerfest tournament in the US.

So Cummings packed his kit bag and headed over the pond in the hopes of
stitching up a deal.

Jones, who also oversees the rugby program at the University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, says the big teenager had a busy month. "Training on a daily
basis with the full senior squad under Mike Ruddock and also three days a
week with the U-21s.

"Mike played in only two matches, both at Under 21 level, namely a friendly
against Cheltenham (Ebbw Vale won by 50 points) and in his last week a much tougher encounter in the Welsh Under 21 League against Bridgend. Ebbw Vale lost by 23-8, but Mike did enough in that match to be invited back for a full season, commencing July 2002."

Jones believes that this is a first for an American. "He will combine rugby
with furthering his education and my hope is that following the initial
season at Under 21, he will go on to senior pro rugby."

As Cummings will also be in Wales as a student, the question of finances arises. As a result, Kansas City philanthropist Charles Usher has joined the fray and is working with Cummings' family to try to raise enough money to
cover some of the costs.

Usher says they need to raise a substantial amount. "Mike's opportunity is a major one for him. From a kid who had a difficult time as an early teen, he is on his way to success. We think about $1000 per month will be needed. The plan is to upgrade his education while in Wales."

Cummings knows that he has a lot to do now that he has been accepted by Ebbw
Vale. And the kid also has lofty aspirations to match his 6' 4" frame: "To be one of the top players in the world and to play for the Eagles are two of my goals."