David Fairbrother Signs for Fylde

Fylde have secured the signature of the Royal Navy & Fleetwood backrow forward David Fairbrother.

It's been a heady year for the 26 year old Royal Marine (45 Commando Regiment) who came through strongly in the 2013/14 season culminating in a starting place in the Navy squad which took on the Army at Twickenham in early May - in front of a crowd of 80,000 spectators, a record for an amateur game in England - and selection for the Royal Navy v Marine Nationale in Toulon, France.  

He was then selected as part of the Lancashire 2014 County Championship squad and was soon back at rugby HQ coming on as a replacement in the Bill Beaumont Cup Final against Cornwall four weeks later. Once again, he impressed with his power, ball carrying, mobility and ball skills. A lovely overhead pass to no 8 Matt Lamprey set up Lancashire's crucial 4th try which gave his side the lead which they extended to 36-26 by the final whistle. Fairbrother's Navy side lost to the Army by 17-30 so he was delighted that his second appearance was a winning one.

Fairbrother told the Blackpool Gazette's Steve Simpson that he is proud of the fact that he came through the Fleetwood mini-junior ranks, and he will always be grateful for that. He remarked: “I started playing rugby at Fleetwood almost as soon as I could walk." His appearances for Fleetwood's senior team has been limited due to his 8 year Navy career, overseas postings and, when back in the UK, being based in Plymouth.

David Fairbrother said: "I'm very pleased to be joining Fylde and trying my luck at National One level. I know the attacking, running style of rugby played at the Club through talking to the Fylde lads in the Lancashire squad and by being coached by Mark Nelson in the county setup. I usually play at either no 8, which I slightly favour, or more commonly at blindside flanker. I can't wait to test myself in this competitive division."

When asked about his progress this season he added: "I came back from Afganistan and have had the opportunity during 2013/14 of much more time to train and develop skills through the Royal Navy rugby development system. This stability and continuity has paid dividends, as has playing in a number of high profile games with and against players who have experience at international & Premiership level. The Navy is very supportive of their players who make it at senior national clubs and this will help a great deal as I'm still based in Plymouth. I can't wait to get started with Fylde."

Mark Nelson said: "I'm delighted that Dave has decided to join the Club. Stepping up in league rugby from level 7 with Fleetwood to National One would have been a huge challenge but Dave has had increasing experience with the Royal Navy and has proved a great success this season in an intense rugby environment. I've no doubts about his capability to thrive in the this division."