The Gloucester High School year eight student, known in the community for his campdrafting prowess, is making his name known on the rugby field. Even though he's somewhat new to the code, he's managed to find himself among the 16 under 15s players heading on a tour with rugby legend David Campese.

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime," Anthony said, even though the whole idea hasn't completely sunk in yet.

Anthony has had a bit of experience with a rugby ball, having played in the junior Gloucester Magpies rugby league competition when he was younger.

He then tried his hand a union while in year six at St Joseph's Primary School and was chosen by the selectors to represent the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese at the NSW Catholic Primary Schools Polding rugby trial.

He also took part in the Lower Mid North Coast junior rugby union competition at Nabiac earlier in the year, which saw players from around the region take part in training drills before playing a game over a six-week program.

Since there's no junior rugby available for young players in the Mid Coast region, Anthony's had to take up the sport in Port Macquarie.

"I was up there to watch my sister (Amy) play and the under 15s team was short numbers, so they asked me to play," Anthony explained. So, he put on the Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Club jersey and took to the field as a front rower.

When the opportunity came up to apply for the Campese tour, his mum, Jennie put his name into the mix.

The tour officially leaves Australia on December 6, includes training with Campese, games in England, Wales and Italy, and a bit of sightseeing before returning on December 19. It's such a great opportunity, the whole family is planning to join him.

Although Anthony is a bit nervous to be playing with boys he doesn't know in countries he's never been, he's looking forward to the experience. He likes the sport for the physical contact; it's a stark contrast to horse riding.