‘Rugby takes me into a zone where I don’t feel life’s niggles’

Teenager Damola Ayanlaja-Lowo’s world was turned upside down when he and his mother moved to the UK from their home in Spain.

Now he would have to make new friends in an unfamiliar country far from his homeland. But that journey back in 2013 was worth every step, for here he discovered his life’s passion – rugby.

After the family arrived in Greater Manchester and he enrolled at Walkden High School in Worsley, the friends Damola met there suggested he had a go at rugby – a sport he’d never played before.

After just two matches for his school, the 6ft 2in, 18st winger joined National Lottery-supported amateur rugby league team Salford City Roosters, scoring a try in his first game.

And in 2019 – just six years after taking up rugby – Damola was selected for the Spanish rugby league squad.

“I quickly fell in love with rugby,” says Damola, now 23. “No matter what’s going on in life, I always look forward to playing.

“When I play, it’s as if I go into a zone where my focus is sharpened, and I don’t feel any of life’s niggles.”

He adds: “The Roosters aren’t just my team, they’re my best mates. When I told them I was selected for Spain they gave me a big hug.

“I had my first game against the Netherlands in Madrid. Nerves in the run-up disappeared when I played. And although we lost 30-36, I scored.”

The Salford City Roosters have received National Lottery funding to help build a new state of the art clubhouse. Thanks to National Lottery players, £9.3million will be donated to rugby league over the next five years.

Damola is now studying sports coaching at the University of Central Lancashire and has ambitions to set up his own sports-based business one day.

Despite all his success, there’s a notable absence in the stands when he takes to the field. “My mum has never seen me play rugby,” says Damola. “She’s really protective and can’t bear to watch!”