Pro deal fits bill for Parfitt

Rugby Union: GRASSCROFT teenager Liam Parfitt is celebrating his first professional contract offer by Aviva Premiership giants Sale Sharks.

Flanker Parfitt (18) has enjoyed a terrific 2014 so far. The Rishworth School sixth-former has shone for the Sharks’ academy outfit and the Jets — the club’s second team — while he also recently earned his first international caps for England under-18s in games against France and Ireland.

Now Parfitt is gearing up for his next big career test: getting on the radar of Sharks’ first-team rugby director Steve Diamond.

Parfitt’s proud mum Maxine said: “It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Liam. On top of studying for his A-levels he represented England twice and has been offered a two-year contract. He’s going to sign it this week.

“He’s already been with the Sharks academy for two years. He’s thoroughly enjoyed that and now he wants to make his mark with the professionals.

“He’s deferred his place at Loughborough University — where he was going to study for an engineering degree — for a year, so we’ll see how next season goes. If it doesn’t work out he can go back to his studies.”

Parfitt was initially a Saddleworth Rangers rugby league prospect, and went on to spend three years with Warrington Wolves’ junior set-up. He switched codes two years ago when offered an academy contract by the Sharks.

He has featured in the same Rishworth School team as current England fly-half and fellow Oldhamer George Ford.