YOUNG GUNS
SALE SHARKS CENTRE
HIS older brother Sam is one of the stars in the Sharks’ backline and recently won his first England cap on tour to Argentina. Now Luke, 18, is aiming to follow him to the 1st XV after signing a five-year deal in the summer.
Like his brother, James plays in the centres, but has spent time in the back row growing up and is the modern day jackalling midfielder. He featured regularly for the Sharks U18 side last season on their march to the Academies final, and then played for Sale in the Premiership 7s. He impressed enough to be involved in their Premiership matchday squad against Saracens.
With such rich talent in the Sharks squad, James is relishing the opportunity of training alongside some of the world’s best players.
“I was very nicely surprised to be on the bench for the Saracens match, especially so early in the season,” James said. “It was a bit weird at first to see guys like Faf de Klerk, James O’Connor and Josh Strauss in training as I’d grown up watching them play. Now I just want to kick on and take as many opportunities as I can for Sale.”
James started playing rugby at the age of four for Manchester Rugby Club, before continuing his rugby development at Wilmslow High School.
During his time at Manchester he filled a variety of positions but is now focused on becoming a top midfielder, recognising there are areas he must work on to become a first team regular.
He said: “I switched away from back row last season, but still played a bit of flanker for the U18 side because of a few injuries and then went back to centre at the end of the season. At my old club Manchester I played fly-half, centre and flanker but I always played in the backs at school and want to be an outside centre.
“The coaches here say play what you see. If it doesn’t come off you work on it and pull it off next time and they’re happy we see the opportunity and make the right decision.
“Also having the longterm deal allows you to relax and not worry about every little mistake because you’re bound to make some.”
He also knows there are work ons in defence. He added: “Being young you sometimes want to race up and prove you can put a tackle in but I’m trying to stay in the line so you’re not getting caught out. It’s also about making sure you’re always talking and organising the forwards in attack.
“I’m dual registered with Sale FC so I’m getting good experience and game time there.”
The long term aim is to be in the centres alongside Sam.
“He’s five years older than me and it was always good to have him practicing on the street when we were younger.
“There was never too much tackling though, more kicking and passing stuff.
“The dream would be to one day line up together for Sale and my parents and grandparents would love to see it. But I’ve got a fair bit of bulking up to do – I’m 90kg now – so I’ll get in the gym a bit more and hopefully fill out as the years go
by.”