Generation game
Date published: 03 April 2015
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON . . . Richard and Ollie Russell. PICTURE by TIM BRADLEY
WHEN Ollie Russell pulled on his England rugby league shirt today, he was following a great family tradition.
The 16 year old, from Springhead, became the third generation of the Russell clan to represent their country when he lined up against France at Wakefield in a youth international.
Dad Richard is a familiar face to Oldham RL fans with 125 appearances for his home-town club — the former centre and latterly hooker also starred for Wigan and Castleford as well as turning out for England under-21s and the senior team.
Granddad Jimmy played for Huddersfield and before that the country at under-19s level.
Oldham St Anne’s junior Ollie has spent the week preparing for the back-to-back internationals — England meet France again at Castleford on Monday — with his team-mates in Sheffield.
The scrum-half is currently on a scholarship with Super League side Wigan Warriors, but will discover later in the year if he has impressed enough to earn a professional deal.
“We’re extremely proud of Ollie and he is doing really well,” said Richard (47) of his son, who attends Saddleworth School.
