Free-scoring flyer Tom Carleton signs new Fylde RFC deal

Tom Carleton has made 89 consecutive Fylde appearances and has scored 60 tries

Key Fylde forwards Fairbrother and Gregory sign up for 2019-20

The full-back or winger, a former Kirkham Grammar School player, went off with concussion in the first half of his Fylde debut against Cambridge in March 2017. But he has gone on to make an astonishing 89 consecutive National League appearances , scoring 60 tries.

Now 22, Carleton represented Lancashire and England Counties at Under-20s levels before making his senior Red Rose bow in last year’s County Championship.

A real crowd favourite, Carleton has also earned the respect of his team-mates and won the Players’ Player of the Season award for both 2017-18 and 2018-19, when he was also named in the National Clubs Association’s National Two North Team of the Season.

Head coach Warren Spragg said: “I’m really pleased that Tom has chosen to stay with us after recently graduating from Lancaster University.

“He has balanced his academic and rugby commitments extremely well over the past three seasons and has a bright future ahead of him on and off the pitch.”

“We all know that Tom is a special talent who lights up the game with his running ability, and I am excited to see him continue in a Fylde shirt this season.”

Carleton said: “I’m very pleased to be committing myself to Fylde for another year. The decision was not as straightforward as it has been previously, having now finished university.

“However, a conversation with Warren made it clear that Fylde is still the best place to play my rugby. I’m looking forward to being out on the pitch again, whenever that may be.”