At just 17, Mikle Dill has proved that no one is too young to represent their country on the rugby field.

Not only did the teenager represent the Bermuda men’s team at this month’s international Ariel Re Bermuda Sevens tournament, he also claimed the honour of being the competition’s top try scorer.

The CedarBridge Academy student and Beyond Rugby star has high hopes of making the national XV side this summer when they go head-to-head with Mexico.

Despite a gruelling extra-curriculum schedule that has the speedster training every day of the week with either CedarBridge, Teachers Rugby Club, the Bermuda Under-19 team or the national men’s squad, Mikle still has his eyes firmly set on his education.

“I am in my last year at CedarBridge, but I am also doing a dual enrolment with Bermuda College that I finish this May,” he said.

“Looking ahead I really want to become a sports physiotherapist or a professional athlete.

“I would love to play rugby professionally, too, but for the moment I am working to break into the national XV team for their game against Mexico later in the summer.”

Mikle, who lives in Sandys, took up rugby at the age of 10 while studying at Sandys Secondary Middle School.

Over the past seven years he has worked hard at his game and now plays for school, club and national teams. He is also a standout player with the Beyond Rugby programme.

“I got into rugby through a friend and I just loved the game right from the start,” he said.

“It’s the physicality and the contact that I like, but also the family bonds you get with the sport.

“Beyond Rugby has helped me a huge amount to improve my skills and become a better player, while the game itself has helped me on and off the field.”

Mikle made his debut for the men’s Bermuda Sevens team at last weekend’s Ariel Re Bermuda Sevens competition.

Twelve high school and college teams from the United States travelled to Bermuda to take part in the tournament.

The teenager scored eight tries during the competition in six appearances, helping Bermuda to third place overall.

“It was an exciting moment for me,” he said. “It made me realise that I am moving up a level again, but I really enjoyed the whole experience.”