Jack’s a Saint

Jack Ashworth training at Hopwood Hall College, where he is currently studying for his BTEC National in Sport with the College’s Rugby Academy

Hopwood Hall College student, Jack Ashworth, has signed his first professional contract with St Helen's Rugby League Club – who are nicknamed the Saints.

17-year-old ‘Saint’ Jack, from Rochdale, is in his second year of a BTEC National in Sport with the College’s Rugby Academy. The Academy course allows students to spend half their time training and half their time on academic studies. In his first year of the course Jack trained every morning with his tutor, Matt Calland, and then he’d spend the afternoon studying. But now that he’s a fully qualified Saint, he trains at St Helen's RLFC grounds three or four times a week.

Jack has been totally committed to his sport and eats, breathes and sleeps rugby. He represented Oldham St Anne's and also played for Littleborough ARLFC at junior level, both before making his senior debut with the Rochdale Cobras. He trained on Saturday mornings with Rochdale's Service Area Programme and also spent time at the Warrington Wolves.

The young star spent time training with the Rochdale Hornets, under the guidance of his college tutor, Matt Calland, who is the Hornets’ Head of Youth.

As part of the partnership agreement between the two clubs Jack began to train with the Saints' under 19s.

It was his tutor, Matt, who spotted the young player's potential and brought him to the attention of Saints development staff. Matt comments: "Jack has worked really hard over the past two years at college. If he keeps up the hard work I think he could develop into a full time super league player.

"He is a likeable student who has a great work ethic."

In his short time at the Saints, Jack has become an integral part of the squad, with several impressive performances in the back row and at centre but he is still focused on completing his BTEC at the College.

Jack said: "I have really enjoyed my time at Hopwood Hall College. I feel the Academy training really advanced my development as a rugby player and the link with Rochdale Hornets has enabled me to get a chance with St Helen's. It has been hard work but I knew it would be worth it in the end. Now I have earned my first pro contract my next goal is to get a super league squad number with the first team."