Amongst several new faces at Lightfoot Green this summer, the club is also delighted to welcome back into competitive action, a familiar face to Hoppers supporters in the form of second row Mark Rigbye.
“Riggers” made his debut in the 2007/8 season and went onto make close to 100 league appearances for the club over the following 4 seasons. He formed a very effective second row partnership with Wayne Steel during that time and was a virtual ever present over the period.
However, work commitments and a young family meant that Mark had to take a sabbatical from Lightfoot Green but now aged 30 he is ready to return and put his hand up for selection.
Speaking about his return, Mark said “I’m massively happy to be involved again having had to miss the last few years due to work and family commitments. The club is a great place and I learnt a great deal from being a mini-junior at the club before cutting my teeth in the senior ranks and ultimately playing in the 1st XV. The atmosphere at the club is as good as its always been and the players in the squad have been really welcoming. I played against Arnie several times whilst he was at Fylde. He’s a top player and can’t wait to get back involved and learn from him on the training field”.
Head of Rugby Operations Gareth Dyer said “It’s great to see Mark back in the Senior Squad. He’s a Hopper through and through. Whilst we’ve been busy strengthening the squad, it has also been important to bring in players who know the club and can hit the ground running. Mark has been involved with the club since he was a youngster and his passion for the club will help instil the Hoppers culture in others. He is still a young man, has plenty of experience to call on and once he’s back in the rhythm of things I have no doubt he will be pushing hard for one of the starting second row spots”.
Welcome back Riggers!
