Young Whitworth rugby talent aims for professional dream after international tour

Thursday, 5 June 2025 17:14

By David Murphy

A teenage rugby player from Whitworth is aiming to be scouted by a professional club after impressing during an overseas tour with his Saddleworth Rangers teammates.

Jack Ashworth, 15, has played rugby since the age of five and is now hoping to turn his passion into a career. The Whitworth Community High School pupil currently plays second row for Saddleworth Rangers U15s and recently returned from a week long trip to Spain and France with the squad.

The tour included training sessions in Lloret de Mar, team-building activities like kayaking and laser tag, and a competitive match against a French side in Cannes. Jack made a strong impression, assisting two tries during the game, which Saddleworth won 24–6.

“A lot of us got game time and it was great for bonding,” said Jack, who spent 30 minutes on the pitch during the match. “The best part was the game – it felt good to contribute to the win.”

Jack also attended a professional Super League match during the tour, watching Wigan Warriors defeat Catalan Dragons 48–0 in Perpignan.

Rugby runs in Jack’s family. His dad introduced him to the sport and his grandfather, Anthony Cox, played for a local team. Jack started out at St John with St Michael Primary School in Shawforth and joined Littleborough Rugby Club aged eight. After moving to Rochdale, he switched to Saddleworth at 14 and now trains regularly with the team, backed by his grandfather who still turns up to watch his matches.

Jack has also represented Whitworth High School on the rugby field and has clear ambitions. “I’ve supported St Helens since I started watching rugby and I’d love to play for them one day,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll get noticed before I leave school.”

Off the rugby field, Jack also plays football for Whitworth Valley Whites.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Children lead the way as Freehold estate praised for pioneering police partnership

Pupils at Broadfield Park Primary School have been hailed for their role in helping Greater Manchester Police tackle organised crime on the Freehold estate.
Exhibition train marking 200 years of rail travel to stop in Bury

A free family-friendly exhibition train celebrating 200 years of modern railway history is set to arrive in Bury in January as part of a nationwide tour.
Emergency road closure on Milnrow Road for final phase of major gas works

A key section of the A640 Milnrow Road in Rochdale has been closed to allow urgent gas mains upgrade work, as part of a £75 million project by Cadent.
Middleton residents share bold ideas for town’s future at MMDC event

Residents in Middleton took part in a community event at the Edgar Wood Rooms to share ideas for the town’s future. The session followed the launch of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, introduced the night before by actor Steve Coogan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Middleton hits reset as Mayoral Development Corporation launches with community backing and call for change

Middleton’s regeneration took a major step forward tonight, Wednesday 19 November, with the launch of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, known as MMDC, a new public body that promises to transform the town through investment, housing and community-led development.
New maternity membership offers discounts for mums across Greater Manchester

A Rochdale mother has launched a new discount membership platform to support women during pregnancy and maternity leave.
Hundreds of homes on Littleborough’s countryside set for approval

Hundreds of new homes are set to be built on the Littleborough countryside near a popular beauty spot.
Town to get ‘real boost’ from major planning reforms

Housebuilding next to train stations being given a default ‘yes’, will be a real boost for Castleton, says the town’s MP.
Plans for battery storage plant on green belt next to country park approved after ‘knife edge’ vote

A battery energy storage plant is to be built on green belt land close to a country park.
Hotel expansion approved

A hotel on the edge of Bury and Heywood will be expanded to create space for 30 new bedrooms.
New drive-thru planned for Sandbrook Park

The former home of a dessert takeaway in Rochdale could soon be transformed into a drive-thru restaurant.
Pensioner’s battle over her blue bin

A pensioner who struggles to lug her bins from her garage to the pavement said she has been left dumbfounded by a string of missed collections.