Being able to juggle a full time rugby career and school has not been easy for Hallam but his grades show that he is able to handle the pressure, “I think that the first thing I was feeling when I found out was relief.
“I found out that I got into Cardiff University first without knowing my actual results so the pressure was off my shoulders knowing that I had got in. I officially start around 23rd September and I will be living in Cardiff; so it’s probably a bit closer to training from where I am now, so that’s a bit longer in bed for me.”
Similarly to Lions star Jamie Roberts, Hallam will be studying medicine, which is normally a 5 year course but he expects it to be a longer process for him, “I think Jamie did it over 8 years but he went part time in his third year, so it will probably be the best part of ten years for me.
“I have also spoken to a few of the boys here who have done degrees whilst training. I know Will Harries did a degree at Loughborough whilst playing for Northampton, Ross and Matthew Pewtner have done them as well. So I have spoken to a few of them, they all say it’s perfectly doable but it’s about time management really.
“My time management has been ok so far what with school and stuff but it will be a challenge will be one that I am looking forward to.”
The fullback first set his mark in rugby when he broke the record for the youngest ever starting player in the RaboDirectPro 12 against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium and appreciates the help and cooperation he has received from the regional side, “The club have been really good about always supporting me with my academics from when I was in the academy then through to the first team.
“It’s always been a priority for me and I think that they have always supported me with letting me if I needed to, go into school for important lessons. But they have been really helpful with saying come into training when you can, so hopefully that will continue this year and into the future.”
Robert Beale also wanted to praise Hallam with his achievement, “Huge congratulations on Hallam gaining the A-Level results that he has.
“At the Dragons we are committed to making sure our young players follow an educational route as well as a rugby route. Hallam’s contract with the region reflects that and he’s given as much time off from rugby he needs to make sure that he fulfils his potential educationally. I am sure that he will do that and we wish him all the luck in the future in pursuing his career off the field as well as on it.”
