Half-back signs for Fylde as Lavelle moves on

It's one in and one out at the Woodlands as Fylde have recruited half-back Jack Harrison but lost Tom Lavelle to a player-coach's role at Blackburn RFC.
Jack HarrisonJack Harrison
Jack Harrison

A product of Fylde’s successful mini-junior section, Lavelle made his debut for the first team in the 2003/4 season and quickly made his mark.

Initially, he played either as hooker or prop and proved comfortable at National League level in both positions.

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Lavelle travelled to New Zealand after leaving school and played for Silverdale and in the North Harbour under-21 representative side.

He returned to the United Kingdom in 2006 and studied at university in Newcastle as well as playing three seasons in National One for Tynedale.

He rejoined Fylde in 2010 and was a key part of the squad that won promotion in April 2011 as well as gaining several Lancashire senior caps.

Head coach Paul Arnold said: “Tom is a fine player and a great lad who is one of the boys from the promotion- winning squad five years ago.

“We all wish him the very best of luck.”

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Harrison grew up on a farm in the Scottish Borders and learned his rugby at Peebles High School and Peebles RFC.

In recent seasons he has played for both Harper Adams and Scottish National Division One club Peebles.

His performances for the Midlands Under-20s earned him a place on the England Counties Under-20s tour to Russia. He has played most of his rugby at scrum-half but has moved to fly-half more recently at Harper Adams.

Arnold said: “We are very lucky that Jack is moving to the area as part of his studies.

“Jack really impressed me in the games I watched him playing for the Midlands Under-20s and then on tour in Russia.”