A young local rugby player has earned a professional contract with the University of Gloucestershire’s Rugby League side, the All Golds.
James Fisher, who is a club record holder for local rugby union club Cirencester RFC, will achieve his dream when he pulls on his All Golds shirt for the first time.
Signing a professional contract is made all the more remarkable given that he will be joining the All Golds in only his second season playing Rugby League.
Fisher’s story displays just how far the development of Rugby League in Gloucestershire has come.
24-year old Fisher has plied his trade for Cirencester RFC from the age of 8 where he currently holds the club record for most kicks converted in a single game (12 from 12) and he is also the top try scorer for the last five seasons (another club record).
His first exposure to the sport came at the age of 23 when he joined Cheltenham Old Patesians as they competed in their inaugural season of being a dual-code club, working in partnership with the All Golds. During this season they won the West of England title, with Fisher scoring four tries in the Grand Final.
James has been seeking a professional rugby contract all his life and the introduction of Rugby League to the county has given him the opportunity to achieve his goal. He has been humbled by the support he has received from the All Golds and is excited to represent the Golden Fern in this, his first season as a pro-rugby player.
Commenting on his signing, James said, “All my life I’ve dreamt of receiving a professional contract and at 24 I thought it was a bit late. Rugby League has helped me achieve my dream and it has proven that with the right support, hard work and someone that believes in you, dreams can come true – as corny as it sounds.”
Lionel Hurst, President of the University of Gloucestershire’s All Golds, said, “The All Golds are very excited to have signed James. He is Gloucestershire born and bred and I know how proud he will be to pull on the All Golds shirt when he plays his first game for us.
“It’s an incredible achievement by James. It is down to his sheer hard work and talent and it also shows how far the All Golds, the University of Gloucestershire and our partner clubs have come already in developing Rugby League in the county.”
Talk about this story on the All Golds fans forum on TotalRL.com or hear the latest All Golds news on our ‘Rugby League Down South’ podcast.
