Tommy Gallagher has come out of retirement at the age of 34… over two years since hanging up the boots.
Gallagher, who played for clubs such as Hull KR, Widnes and Leigh during his career, has decided to return to action with Swinton, where he is currently assistant to head coach Stuart Littler.
He finished his career with the Lions as they earned promotion to the Championship in 2015, but has decided to combine his coaching duties with a playing capacity in order to help the club move off the bottom of the league table.
Swinton have yet to win a game this season and are currently five points adrift of safety.
“I’m happy to be back training with the lads and get the bug back,” he said.
“I think I might have retired a bit early. I think I still have something to offer the team and I’d just like thank Stu and the club for giving me a chance. I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”
Gallagher has been actively training with the Lions squad for the past few weeks and has also earned some minutes on the field playing rugby union for Orrell RUFC.
“Tommy has been training for a number of weeks and is looking in good shape,” Littler added.
“He brings a heap of experience which is hard to find at the moment. Tommy talks well and can direct things around on the field. When Tommy made the suggestion of playing again we moved quickly to secure his playing services. I am looking forward to the impact this has within our playing group.”
Lions Chairman Andy Mazey added: “When Stuart floated the idea of a playing contract it was an absolute no brainer. It’s no secret we have a small squad and are scouring the market for experienced players who can add to the squad and Tommy ticks all boxes.
“He’s in great shape physically and is a very popular character around the place. It will be great to see him in a Lions shirt once again.”
