Rugby ace, Ellery Hanley, welcomed at college

Hopwood Hall College rugby academy students with Ellery Hanley. Left to right: Macauley Donnelly, Tom Haddley, Brandon McIntosh, Ellery Hanley, Sam Mason, Alex Jobson, Stephen Campbell-Paul, Ryan Lynch, Jonathan Aspin, Declan Sheridan, Liam Whalley

British former rugby league star, Ellery Hanley MBE recently visited Hopwood Hall College.

The former player and head coach for Great Britain, St Helen's RLFC and Doncaster RLFC was at the College to speak to the sports students and visit the College’s rugby academy which is currently top of the North West premier division.

Mr Hanley enthralled the students with his tales of playing for teams such as Leeds and Wigan and was delighted to answer the many questions the students had for him. He was also able to hear from the students how they feel about playing the game – especially as they are in such a strong position on the leadership board.  

Rugby Academy Manager Matt Calland said: “It was great to be able to give our students the chance to meet such a well-respected player like Ellery Hanley MBE. He was capped 34 times by Great Britain and has excelled not just as a player but as a coach too.

"His advice and guidance is invaluable to our players, who are themselves looking to make rugby a career. He’s a very inspirational man and all the students were delighted to have a chance to speak with him.”