Other new additions include several of our Colts, who have progressed into senior rugby. Harry Steel has been preseason training with the squad and has impressed the coaches with his physicality. Mark Murray, his former Colts coach said, “Harry has Hoppers running through his blood with the various family members involved at the club. He’s an exciting mix of physicality, pace, power, and agility. He represented Lancashire U18s last season, narrowly missing out on further representative honours.” James Shuttleworth, a talented scrum half, also steps up to senior rugby. James is in pre-season training with the squad and is looking to make his senior debut in the upcoming preseason games. Mark Murray said, “James is a quick-thinking scrum half who, thankfully for Hoppers, is staying local with his university options. He is a great distributor of the ball and has also player at fly half for the Colts, showing his vision and ability to allow others to get the ball in space.”

Other colts who have been regulars at preseason training include centre Taran Mathauda, who made his senior debut in the preseason game against Blackburn. Taran is an excellent young player who possesses both pace and power. Attack Coach, Greg Smith, said “Taran has really impressed us in preseason. He has been willing to learn and has made the step up to senior rugby seamlessly. Taran moves to the US soon to take up a university scholarship and we wish him all the best. He will be welcome at Hoppers whenever he is home.” Ben Firth has attended preseason but goes away to Loughborough university in September. Dan Orwin said, “Ben is a quality young centre who I’m sure will do great things in rugby at Loughborough. He is welcome back at Hoppers whenever he is home.” Oliver Kollard has had an excellent pre-season. He will be going travelling in September but is looking to make his senior debut against Sedgley Park, in the preseason game. Mark Murray said, “Olly played for the colts when he wasn’t double booked like many of the lads playing for schools at weekends. He’s a clever rugby player who has a bright future ahead of him on and off the field. Wishing him all the best next year travelling, and we look forward to seeing him at training when he returns.” George Noblett like many players for the colts two positions, hooker and back row. Mark Murray said, “George was the captain of the colts for two years, and always led by example. We are hoping that he follows in his brothers’ footsteps with a successful transition into senior rugby.” Finn Hurley has been training with the senior squad for the past couple of weeks. Fin is currently weighing up his university options but is looking to make his senior debut in the preseason matches. Mark Murray said, “Finn had two great seasons with the colts, a versatile athlete who covers centres and wing. He’s a dynamic runner with plenty of pace and strength” Other talented, progressing Colts that have trained with the senior squads include George Botts, and Matthew Woodburn. Both of whom are going to universities further afield but will be welcomed back to the club with open arms, whenever they are home.