The Rawlings Brothers join Fylde RFC

Fylde RFC is delighted to announce its first two top level signings for the 2014/15 season. Brothers Gareth & Scott Rawlings are both joining the Club from National Three (Midlands) club Longton. For Gareth this is a swift return following two seasons at the Woodlands in 2011/12 & 2012/13.  

Athletic lock or backrow forward Gareth, (31, 6'5”, 17st) earned England Counties & Barbarians honours in his first spell at the Woodlands. He has featured in Lancashire's County Championship winning side in 2014. He has also played club rugby for Manchester, Limoges & Caldy. The former England U'19s player moved from home club Longton to join Manchester in 2004 and brother Scott joined him in 2006/7. Gareth then made a high profile move to French Pro Division 2 club USA Limoges where he spent two seasons. He returned for a brief spell with level 4 club Caldy before switching back to Longton and then on to Fylde in 2011.

Scott Rawlings also made his name as a young player with Longton before joining then National Two (level 3) Manchester in 2006. The following season Scott was a regular starter at inside centre in the Grove Road's club charge through the division to promotion to National One (level 2). His appearances earned him two England Counties tours, 2007 to Russia & 2008 to USA/Canada. He stayed for Manchester's 2008/9 campaign before once again joining his brother at Caldy in 2009. He left mid-season to return to Longton where he has played loyally since, & recently in the role of player-coach. Scott Rawlings, 28, is a big, powerful centre who will add real physical presence to the Fylde backline.

Fylde Head Coach Mark Nelson said: “I targeted the Rawlings brothers as great assets to the squad. John Greenwood has worked very hard on behalf of the club to secure their signatures and I am delighted that the process is now complete. They are both England Counties players and are both skilful and physical competitors with lots of National league & representative experience. The league is getting stronger year by year and it is very important that we can add quality players like the Rawlings to our squad. "

1st Team Director John Greenwood said: “Both Gareth and Scott were very keen to play for us. I am sure that they will do very well within our operation here at Fylde. It is excellent for us that we have acquired their services."

Gareth Rawlings said: “It feels great to be returning to the Woodlands. I really missed the club, the style of rugby and the lads last season and can't wait to get back involved and hopefully add to the current squad. After playing for Lancashire again with the Fylde lads I knew I wanted to move back and as soon as Nellie mentioned his interest I was sold! It's a fantastic club and something I loved being a part of, and looking forward to the future. It's something you just can't find or replicate elsewhere. On a personal note, it's always great to play alongside my brother so to do it again and at Fylde will be special. I hope we can both make a big impact.”

Scott Rawlings said: “ I'm delighted to be joining Fylde. The chance to play National One again was a big factor and also Gaz has told me how brilliant it was to play at Fylde. I am really looking forward to this new challenge and can't wait for pre-season to start and to play my first game at Woodlands.”