Two brothers are set to make history by playing for Great Britain’s handball teams at the same time.
Rory Semple, 20, will compete in the Men’s 20 IHF Championships 2025 this weekend, while his 17-year-old brother, Angus, will take part in the U18 equivalent.
The Semple brothers, from Brookfield, Renfrewshire, started playing handball at Kelvinside Academy, where Angus is still a pupil.
Rory, now a student at Heriot Watt University, was the academy’s longest-serving handball team captain.
He dreams of playing in Europe one day.
Meanwhile, Angus chose to focus on handball over rugby, despite being identified as a promising talent for Scottish Rugby.
His decision has paid off, as he has been accepted into the prestigious Aarhus Sport Academy in Denmark which is known for producing pro handball players.
Angus said:
“I loved rugby, but I had to choose where to focus my energy, and handball was where I was most passionate. Rory being my older brother has been a huge influence – he’s always pushed me to improve, and I’ve learned so much from watching him play and talking to him about the sport.”
Rory, who has represented Scotland at all age grades, said:
“I didn’t expect to enjoy handball when I started, but it’s become such an important part of my life. Representing GB at the U20 level is a massive honour, and I’m excited to compete at the IHF Championships and continue my handball journey. Handball has taken me to places I never imagined I’d visit and given me experiences I’ll carry forever, like representing GB at the same international tournament as my younger brother.”
The brothers have scored more than 2000 goals for club and country.
Both have won Player of the Match awards in European Championship competitions.
Fiona Kennedy, head of handball at Kelvinside Academy, said: “Everyone at the school is hugely proud of Rory and Angus.
“Both were promising rugby players but they’ve gone in a different direction and their success highlights the incredible opportunities handball can offer, and their hard work and dedication have set a brilliant example for others.”