A TEACHER is taking over the reins of a national rugby league organisation.

Scott Burns, who teaches PE at Hindley Junior and Infant Primary School, is the newly appointed head of Great Britain Teachers Rugby League.

The organisation is made up a group of teachers who play or played rugby league and aims to develop rugby and eventually to spread the game to new and developing nations.

Scott, of Atherton Road, Hindley, said: “Being offered the chance to take over on such a prestigious and exciting project is a huge honour.

“I have been lucky enough to represent my country through my career and now to be able to represent both my country and my profession in a sport I love is a dream come true.

“I started playing rugby 30 years ago at the age of six for Ince St Williams ARLFC and progressed through the age groups to Ince Rose Bridge ARLFC where I played in the infamous Rose Bridge 'Allstars' team.

“I have been involved with rugby league throughout the years until putting my boots back on in 2010 for Great Britain Teachers.”

He has been involved with the group since Tony Fretwell, the TRL’s founder, came up with the idea of having a national team in 2010 and he played in the inaugural match.

“I love working at Hindley J and I School, the pupils and staff are amazing,” said the 36-year-old.

“Over the past year the school have given me the opportunity to use my sporting background and qualifications to lead most of the schools P.E lessons.

“So it's great to get the best of both worlds within a primary school.”