Retiring captain Adam Lewis tips Fylde RFC for great future

The 33-year-old prop has gone on to make 241 senior appearances since his debut in 2006, captaining Fylde for the past two seasons.

Lewis’ rugby journey began in the club’s mini-juniors and he spent three years with Sedgley Tigers before returning to Fylde in 2013.

A Welsh Exiles junior, Lewis also played representative rugby for England Under-18s and England Counties and was a regular member of Lancashire’s successful County Championship squad, captaining them to Twickenham glory two years ago.

As a new chapter in his life begins after an unimaginable final season, Lewis told the club website: “It will be a strange time for me as rugby has been a major part of my life growing up.

“I’m looking forward to my new career and spending time with my family. Whilst not living locally anymore, I hope to watch as many games as possible and hopefully get an invite to the Old Boys’ Lunch and – who knows? – maybe a run out for the Vandals in time!

“It’s a shame the season has ended the way it has, both for the club and myself. I think I had a few more seasons left in me but I am prioritising my career and family for now.

“I’ve accrued lots of injuries over the last few years and had no time to recover properly, but if Spraggy (head coach Warren Spragg) finds himself in dire straits at any point I will always help out, even if its carrying the water.

“There is a fantastic squad at the moment and I know they are capable of great things, so good luck and do the Fylde jersey proud!”

Lewis will never forget his senior debut in 2006, adding: “I managed a few minutes before getting a yellow card for fighting after a scrum.

“I was worried my coach Stuart Connell would be disappointed as I hadn’t backed down from the prop who hit me. As I walked off he smiled at me and said, ‘Good lad, well done’.

“I’ll never forget him calling me up very early on the morning of a derby game against Preston to see if I was ready for the battle – what a guy.

“I loved the intensity and passion for the club, a quality I’ve tried to maintain myself.

“All I wanted to do after that first season was start regularly, play long enough that I could bring my child to the game and be captain.

“I’ve played with some fantastic players, too many to mention, but it would be hard to think of a classier player than Richard Kenyon. He is easily the best I’ve ever played with. I honestly think he could still walk into the first XV and do a job – a great player and even better bloke.

“Matt Filipo helped me enormously as a young prop. It was important I listened to his guidance and sought advice when I needed it. It’s something I would encourage all props to do.

“From being an 18-year-old sharing a changing room with Roger Banks, Nick King, Dylan O’Grady, Dan Bowman etc... to leading the team for two years and making life-long friends both on and off the pitch, it has been an absolute honour.

“I hope I have done my team-mates, my family, the captaincy and the club proud.”