Scott Rawlings is set to make his 100th appearance for Fylde at Sheffield Tigers on Saturday. His two periods at the Woodlands (2014-16 and 2019 to date) constitute no more than a quarter of his extraordinary 18 year career. In all, he’s made more than 400 senior appearances at five English clubs, with representative honours for England Counties and Lancashire on top of this. His durability and love of playing rugby is exceptional – and his many hundreds of journeys along the M6 to the Fylde Coast from his home in the Potteries is a testimony to this.
Scott began his senior career at his local club Longton in Stoke-on-Trent in 2003, moved to join Manchester RUFC in 2006 as they rose up the RFU league hierarchy and also had a season in New Zealand that year. His talent was noted nationally and earned him two England Counties tours, 2007 to Russia & 2008 to USA/Canada. He stayed for Manchester’s 2008/9 campaign before joining his brother at Caldy in 2009. He left mid-season to return to Longton where he eventually became player-coach.
The National Leagues beckoned him again and he joined Fylde in National One for the 2014-15 season, once again playing alongside brother Gareth and forming a fine partnership with fellow centre Chris Briers. He made 65 1st XV appearances before leaving early in the 2016-17 season to link up with Sale FC.
Another period at Longton followed before he returned to the Woodlands for the 2019-20 season and is currently on a run of 34 consecutive matches in this second spell at the Club. Whilst at 35 years old he hasn’t the pace of his youth, his bone shaking tackling, powerful ball carrying, clever distribution and timely off-loading continues to set up chances for team mates all around him.
Long may he grace Fylde, together with his affable father Brent who is a frequent visitor to the Woodlands loyally supporting his big son!
Many congratulations on your century Scott!
NB The final photo in the sequence below was taken ahead of the 2014-15 season when brothers Scott and Gareth joined the Club, Gareth for his second spell. Greeners and Nellie were pleased with their bit of business
