Sharks sign ex-county U17 captain
A FORMER captain of Leicestershire Rugby Union’s under-17s and under-18s side has signed up with Sale Sharks after being spotted playing for a university side.
Just four months into his stint as a sport and exercise science degree student at Manchester Metropolitan University, Jordan Tebbatt was talent spotted by Sale Sharks who are currently third in the Premiership.
The 19-year-old back rower started playing rugby at the age of five, following in the footsteps of his dad and grandad, and from the very beginning was always a promising player.
In addition to county honours, he played for Leicester Forest Rugby Football Club and the Leicester Tigers junior academy.
But after missing out on a professional deal with Tigers when finishing college, Tebbatt took a break from rugby before he received the offer of a sports scholarship in Manchester in September last year.
He will train and play for Sale Sharks first team as well as representing his university team when his Sharks schedule allows.
Tebbatt said: “The last 18 months has been a whirlwind. If it wasn’t for the relationship between the University and Sale Sharks I wouldn’t be signing this contract.
“It was always made clear to me from Sale Sharks and the University how important it is to get a degree as well as play.
“I didn’t come to university expecting a contract but being on the scholarship, having access to world-class facilities and coaches and receiving all of the support, it’s taken a load off.
“It’s given me a purpose and it sky rocketed my development and knowledge, and it’s all of this that has led to my professional contract now.”
Sale Sharks’ academy manager Fergus Mulchrone said: “Jordan has a wealth of experience within a highperformance set-up following his time in Leicester’s junior academy and everyone at the club is looking forward to seeing how we can help develop his ability further.”
Now, his ultimate goal is to represent his country and play for England’s first team. And after recently having the chance to train with England’s under 20s squad, he has the motivation he needs to go all the way.