Fylde RFC sign key forwards David Fairbrother and Ben Gregory for next season

Player of the season David Fairbrother has signed up for a seventh Fylde campaign

Fylde put safety first before reopening after lockdown

Hard-running back-rower Fairbrother has agreed terms for a seventh season at the Woodlands, while first-choice hooker Gregory has been at the club since 2015.

Head coach Warren Spragg has told The Gazette that agreements have been reached for Fylde to keep the majority of last season’s squad, who finished runners-up in National Two North but were denied a chance of promotion after the season ended early.

The confirmation of other signings is expected to follow but supporters will be pleased to see this prominent pair among Fylde’s pack personnel retained.

The 32-year-old Fairbrother has made 107 National League appearances for the club. A product of Fleetwood RUFC who served in the Royal Marines, ‘Fairy’ joined Fylde for 2014-1 and has been their first-choice number eight ever since, scoring 30 tries.

He has played representative rugby for the Royal Navy, Combined Services, Lancashire and England Counties.

An ever-present in the past two seasons, Gregory has played in 68 consecutive Fylde matches and in 91 in total, though he is still only 22.

A product of Wigan RUFC, he made his Fylde first XV debut in April 2016 while still at Kirkham Grammar School.

He has also played for Sale Sharks Academy, North of England at junior levels and for Lancashire.

Spragg said: “It was great to see Fairy back at his best last season after injury and I was really happy for him when the lads voted him as their player of the year. He is an incredible character and an outstanding player, who leads from the front every time he steps onto the field.”

“Ben was outstanding last season and in my opinion was the best hooker in the league. He will have an important role to play this year as we look to kick on as a group and I am excited to see what he can achieve.”

Fairbrother said: “I’m really happy to sign for another year with the best club in the North-West. I’m looking forward to an exciting season and hopefully this year we’ll get back into National One.”

Gregory said: “Signing was an easy decision as the club is in a great place, with loads of young talent and a lot of experience in the National League. We will come back in the new season and challenge again with the squad we have.”