Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Meet the incredible young rugby star who is scoring a hatful of tries – despite only having one ARM.
Little Shay Dunster was born with half of his left limb missing but has always loved rugger.
Sadly, the nine-year-old’s coaches in Blaenau Gwent, Wales said he had been bullied about his disability to the point where he wanted to give up.
But gentle encouragement meant he kept going – and now he’s a local legend.
Shay recently took part in a rugby festival in nearby Cardiff and stole the show by scoring a staggering ELEVEN tries – catching the eye of some of the game’s superstars.
Ex-Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton tweeted: “Tell Shay I said well done and keep up the amazing work. Inspirational.”
Shay’s mum, Donna, said international scrum-half Rhys Webb had also been in touch to lend his support.
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Proud Donna said: “Shay absolutely loves playing rugby and it was amazing to see him play so well at the festival.
“He started with tag rugby about three years ago and loved it. He was worried about the tackles when it moved up to touch, but he hasn’t stopped.
“He was on fire at the festival. It is great because it gives him so much more confidence, especially as he had been bullied in the past.”
A spokesman for Shay’s team, Trefil under 10’s, said: “Shay’s been asked ‘how can you play rugby with one arm? ‘.
“The team has replied ‘because he’s talented’.
“He’s been bullied to the point he has doubted himself and wanted to give up.
“But with a lot of encouragement he is still playing, he doesn’t get treated any differently to the rest of the team and goes out on that field every week and gives it his all.
“He’s our very own twinkle toes. Shay is a prime example that a disability doesn’t define you as a person. Proud, proud, proud.”
Video by: Anita Maric SWNS
