Rugby passes on some tips

Paul Sculthorpe with Counthill

RUGBY: IT was back to school for Paul Sculthorpe, the former St Helens and Great Britain rugby league star, when he took a coaching session at Counthill School.

Although Paul was born in Burnley, he considers himself a 100-per-cent Oldhamer after moving to the town as a one-year-old.

He played football as a youngster with Failsworth Tigers, following in the footsteps of eldest brother Lee.

But when he joined Royton Tigers at the age of eight, along with brother Danny (still playing professionally at Super League level with Bradford) he was hooked on rugby league.

He turned professional with Warrington before joining St Helens as a 20-year-old for a then-record fee for a forward, £370,000.

One of the world’s finest loose forwards, Paul, who retired in 2008, is keen to promote the benefits of sporting activity and healthy living among youngsters and now stages summer rugby camps, as well as working in schools.