This weeks #Rugbystory is that of a real gent & family man born & raised in Widnes. His jnr clubs were Widnes Tigers & Widnes RUFC where he managed to represent Merseyside, Lancashire & North of England. Salford seen something they liked & snapped him up almost immediately after his game for the North of England. Doing an apprenticeship, he tried to establish himself as a regular first teamer at salford & live the RL dream. He also had a run out at Birchfield with his beloved older brother. He would go onto coach his sons at Widnes RUFC & now one of his grandsons at the same club all whilst being a major cog with the other volunteers in making the wids the place it is. Ladies & Gents Mr David Griffiths.
No #Rugbystory this week but their is a cringey 10-15 #Movember video from myself on the reasons why I believe & take part in #Movember
I mention a charity that is related to the sport that's been & is a massive part of my life in Rugby & they are called Looseheadz. Check out the great work they're doing & the ways you can reach out if you need an avenue to seek help.
This weeks #Rugbystory is Widnes through & through from watching them at wembley to wanting to don the famous white shirt. He played in some very good sides & was plying his trade as a loose forward. His opportunity to play for his hometown club didn't quite materialise but he still loved the game & contributed to Widnes RL throughout. Beginning in the role of scout, he was present at a lot of community rugby games. He progressed to development manager & now currently commercial manager. Widnes RLFC wouldn't be the same without him. Ladies & Gents Mr Dave Rolt
This weeks #Rugbystory is a Widnesian born & bred who loves a challenge. Growing up thriving in contact sport he took part in Rugby & Boxing. Starting out with Lunts Heath Lions (Now HFH) he played for a couple of years before boxing became the prominent sport. Despite this rugby came calling him back & he excelled in both codes managing to play rep rugby throughout for Lancs in Union & internationally in League & signing for Widnes Vikings all whilst battling a serious illness. He was a big part of arguably the best junior team Widnes RUFC has ever seen, winning silverware almost every year. In his adult life he's taken part in Rugby of both codes, Combat sports & American Football just craving that competition. A great lad & family man Ladies & Gents Mr Alan Carr.
This weeks #Rugbystory is an East Hull born Wigan Warriors fan. Getting introduced to Jnr Rugby League at Humber Social Club was the start of a great playing career but he didn't know that at the time. He moved to Embassy RL at 16 after playing area & Yorkshire rep rugby. Starting as a Hull Kr scholar, he found his first step to that dream of his only for the rivals to come & nab him. He went through the system at Hull FC becoming a key component there during two stints. He signed for Wakefield Trinity & absolutely loved it despite being out of his comfort zone & unfortunately being involved in thr "Million Pound Game". He finished his career with fulfillment & joy at York Knights. Ladies & Gents Mr Danny Washbrook
This weeks #Rugbystory is a Welsh Capped Widnesian who began his story with HFH. He went through the age groups for Widnes Vikings & Wales until he was on the verge of a deal with Widnes & it fell through last minute. He went back to grassroots rugby with HFH whilst flirting with the idea if playing for Widnes RUFC. He battled injuries for a while but seized an opportunity at Salford Red Devils & played SL rugby in extremely difficult circumstances. He is currently plying his trade for Preston Grasshoppers, Ladies & Gents Mr Billy Glover.
This weeks #Rugbystory is that of a Bradford born Wigan Warriors fan. His story begins with Queensbury Rugby followed by a spell playing football before returning to Rugby League at 15. He played rep rugby through the age groups & progressed through the ranks at hometown clubs Bradford Bulls from scholarship to first team. He played in big games & win trophies at Bradford which opened the door to a move, which was to Rugby Union & Gloucester. Injury hampered his time there but nevertheless he enjoyed it. This opened a door to a return to League & it was his club Wigan Warriors. His career also includes Harlequins RL (London Broncos), Dewsbury & Jamaica. Ladies & Gents Mr Karl Pryce.
This weeks #Rugbystory is a fella known well throughout both codes of our great sport. Oldham born, bred & proud he began at Oldham St Anne's but only after having to decide between Oldham athletic & rugby. He was soon spotted by Wigan and was playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Throught his playing & coaching career he's been involved with Dukenfield, Oldham, Leigh, Castleford, England RU, Ireland RU, Toulon, Bath, Leicester, Saracens Warrington & British Irish lions tour name a few. Ladies & Gents Mr Mike Ford.
Kicking off Series 11 of #Rugbystory is a Dewsbury Moor Jnr who is having a fine career. Signed as a Bradford Bulls scholar, he was "too small" so went back & enjoyed his rugby with his grassroots team. He then found his way to Leeds Rhinos that included a loan move to Featherstone Rovers. A move to Batley then materialised before a longer term move to Halifax. He returned to Batley & he's really found a home here, becoming a firm fans favourite & one of the first names on the teamsheet. Ladies & Gents Mr Dane Manning.