Twenty-four-year-old Tom Minton has been living in the YMCA for 13 months and joined the rugby team in January 2016, playing his first game a month later.
In September he successfully attended selection training in Lichfield where he was offered a place in the Royal Mercians. He will leaving for 26 weeks of combat infantry training in Catterick in October.
Tom said: “I’ve always wanted to be in the Army, but my attitude wasn’t right before. Being in the YMCA has matured me.
“I’ve always enjoyed sport but it was always football. One of the other residents persuaded me to try the rugby team and from day one everybody welcomed me. It’s a really supportive environment where everybody helps each other.
“I enjoy playing matches more than training, especially the away games as I don’t have any other opportunity to get out of Worcester. But I also love being part of a team and having banter with the other lads in the team.
“Being part of a team has helped me prepare for the Army. It has helped me to work with other people and has improved my communication. At selection training I got really high marks for teamwork.”
In May 2017 Tom represented England Homeless Rugby in the Homeless Rugby International Cup at Sixways, helping the team beat Wales 4-2 and Scotland 12-3 to win the trophy.
Tom continued: “Pulling on an England shirt made me feel proud, like I’d really achieved something, and it made me play better.
“I don’t get many tries but I scored in both games. It’s a day that I will always remember and I’ve still got the pictures on my phone.”
Tom will play two more games for the team before heading off to join the Army.
He added: “I’m nervous and excited about joining up, it’s a bit scary but I’m looking forward to getting in there and cracking on.”
Warriors Education Manager Dave Rogers said: “Tom has been a pleasure to work with over the last year. He has a fantastic attitude and works really hard.
“He has achieved a lot with the rugby team, winning a trophy and being appointed vice-captain by his teammates.
“Everyone wishes him success in the next stage of his life. We’ll miss him as a player but I have no doubt that he will thrive in the Army serving his country.”