We are delighted to announce the next four players who have committed to the Club for the 2024-25 season, in alphabetical order:
JORDAN DORRINGTON
The 29 years old former LRGS student developed his considerable rugby skills at the School but also at his local club Vale of Lune which has a close relationship with his family. His father was a distinguished player and coach at the Club and his brother Ben also has carved out a successful career in the National Leagues.
Perhaps one of Jordan’s greatest gifts is his versatility. He’s comfortable at his most favoured positions of fullback or wing but can also step in at centre or scrum-half. His pace, running lines, handling and bravery are outstanding.
He joined Fylde from Vale of Lune at the beginning of the 2013-14 season and had a total of four highly successful seasons in National One in a very good Fylde squad. He made his debut at Doncaster Knights in October 2013 and bowed out in February 2017 after 79 1st XV appearances in the claret and gold in order to pursue a professional career outside the sport.
During that period, he earned senior Lancashire honours in 2014 and this attracted the attention of England Counties selectors. He was named as a replacement in the Counties international against Scotland at the Woodlands in March 2015. He only had about 10 minutes of game time but made up for lost time by scoring a try in the last few minutes from the scrum-half berth.
He ultimately returned to rugby and the Vale of Lune and then on to Preston Grasshoppers for the 2019-20 campaign in National Two (North). After the season lost to Covid he returned to Lightfoot Green in 2021-22 in the North Premier division and scored 16 tries in ‘Hoppers excellent promotion-winning campaign. He returned to the Lancashire squad in the 2021-22 County Championship campaign.
His return to the Fylde ranks in 2022-23 and this season have been very successful and he has notched up another 45 1st XV appearances and 16 tries. Once again, his versatility has been outstanding with strong performances at fullback, wing and centre. As powerful, quick and elusive as ever, he is a stand out member of the squad.
In all, Jordan has made 123 appearances for Fylde scoring 38 tries, 190 points.
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TOM FORSTER
Tom is a product of the club’s mini-juniors and Colts set-up who went from AKS to study sports science at university in Leeds, a very similar pathway followed by his long standing friend, 1st XV back Adam Lanigan. Along the way, he earned county representation for Lancashire U18s.
The versatile, hard working Forster went initially on loan to Preston Grasshoppers, then as a full signing, for a three year period (2015-18). He made 35 appearances in National Two (North) and a full season in North Premier in 2017-18. He returned to the Woodlands for the 2018-19 season but suffered a broken jaw early on before fighting his way back into 1st XV contention towards the end of that season.
In 2019-20 he loyally played his part in the 1st XV squad making 17 appearances from the bench. Patience paid off when he finally made his 1st XV starting debut at Tynedale in the first match of the 2021-22 campaign. He took his chance with both hands and made 28 appearances during the season at centre, scoring 8 tries in the process. As former Head Coach Warren Spragg said: “Tom is an intelligent player with a strong all-round skill set.” He’s certainly proved this as his career has progressed.
In all, Tom has made 69 1st XV appearances, scoring 11 tries.
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FREDDIE READER
The latest player to burst on the 1st XV scene is young and versatile back Freddie Reader. He’s a product of Stonyhurst College and by the time he left there in 2022 he had made a significant mark as a standout rugby player in his cohort. The College’s Director of Sport and former Fylde 1st XV star, Mark Evans, said: “known for his versatility as a dynamic fly-half or centre, Freddie’s attributes – remarkable speed over 20 metres, agility, skilled ball handling, and formidable strength and courage in defence – set him apart at Stonyhurst. His rugby journey peaked with a well-deserved spot in the Ireland U18 7s Squad in 2022, showcasing his talent at the European Championships. He’s very gifted all-round sportsman who always played with a big heart.” A year’s sabbatical in Australia was also a developmental experience.
Fylde Joint Head Coach Chris Briers said: “Freddie joined the Club earlier in the season and has performed well for the Hawks. We wanted to give him some opportunities with the 1st team because we know the ability is there – he’s a very quick and exciting and versatile player who can play at centre or in the back three.”
He made his debut at Sheffield in November and marked the occasion with a try. In his third game, at Tynedale in February, he scored again. In all, he’s played in six matches to date.
Freddie’s Irish connections are important to him. Another former Fylde 1st XV player, flanker Steve McGinnis is Talent ID Coach at IRFU IQ Rugby and has been following Freddie’s career. He said: “Freddie continues to be a player of interest for Irish Rugby and its 7s. he’s a talented player that we wish well in his Fylde career.”
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SAM STOTT
Sam has been a very talented addition to the Fylde ranks in the last two seasons. The 25 year old Lancashire centre is from the Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Vale of Lune mini-juniors, colts and 1st XV production line. He’s from a committed rugby family, with his father Phil a distinguished, versatile back with Wigan RL and Barrow RL, with four games for Fylde in 1997 in between! He also has substantial coaching experience.
Sam’s elder sister Sally, a Veterinary Surgeon in the British Army, played for England U’20s (2015-2017) & Lancashire age groups. She currently plays for Loughborough Lightning and the Army. His younger brother Charlie plays for ‘Hoppers and Shevington RL at U’14s level.
Sam (6’1″ & 90kg) moved from VoL to Preston Grasshoppers in 2017 and spent four successful seasons at Lightfoot Green playing two seasons in North Premier and two in National Two (North). He made 101 appearances during this period and scored 19 tries in 2021-22 at the end of which he was named in the North Premier team of the season.
Sam has suffered a couple of injuries since joining Fylde which have ruled him out of some games. Despite this he’s still made 31 1st XV appearances for the Club and is a key member of the backline, showing power, pace, a great eye for a break and excellent game management.
At a representative level Sam skippered England Counties at U’18s and U’20s level. He also captained the North U’20s squad in 2019. Other representative honours included his Lancashire Senior XV debut in the Bill Beaumont County Championship in May 2022. He’s a Project Professional at BAE Systems.