A former Hoppers junior, he returns to Lightfoot Green with strong National League experience and a deep connection to the club. Sturgess is also an RFU Level 3 qualified coach, further strengthening the group.

Sturgess added: “It’s a full circle moment coming back to Hoppers. I’m excited to get stuck into pre-season training and contribute both on and off the field.”

Head coach Dan Orwin said: “A former Hoppers mini-junior, Matt is a high quality, and highly experienced player. Having come through the Sale Sharks ACE programme at Myerscough College, at 18, Matt signed a professional contract with Sale, where he spent three years. On finishing at Sale, Matt has accumulated lots of National League experience at Sedgley Park and Fylde.

“Having known Matt a long time, and having coached him at Myerscough, I know what he will bring to the team. He is a highly skilful player, a great organiser, and he has a high level of game intelligence.”

You can come and watch Matt in action this summer as the senior men's teams gear up for the new season. We have three exciting home pre-season fixtures on the AGP in August, giving supporters the chance to see both the 1st XV and 2nd XV in action ahead of the league campaign, which gets underway in September.

Saturday 15 August – vs Sedgley Park Tigers
Saturday 22 August – vs Blackburn
Friday 28 August – vs Rossendale

Find out more in this link