Author: Steve Wild

Swinton Lionesses RLFC Announce New Management and Coaching Setup as Trials Approach

Swinton Lionesses RLFC are thrilled to reveal a new and ambitious management and coaching structure, setting the stage for an exciting future as the club focuses on promotion and continued development within women’s rugby league.

New Head Coach and Support Team

Leading the Lionesses into this exciting new era is Head Coach Paul Humphries, who brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a background that spans years of involvement at both amateur and professional levels, Paul has gained recognition for his innovative coaching methods, tactical skills, and his emphasis on fostering a strong team culture. Known for building up players’ skill levels and mental toughness, Paul’s influence on teams has consistently translated into on-field success and player growth.

Paul expressed his excitement about the new role: “I’m honored to leading this talented group of players. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and am fully committed to helping the team achieve its potential. This season is about ambition, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Supporting Paul is Team Manager Gary Meacham, whose strong management skills will ensure smooth operations for the squad.

Acknowledging the Contributions of Steve Thirkwell

The club would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Steve Thirkwell, the previous head coach, who is stepping down due to work commitments. Steve’s dedication and passion for the team have been instrumental in shaping the Lionesses, and his hard work has laid a strong foundation for future success. The club and players are incredibly grateful for his commitment and wish him all the best. Steve will stay involved as coaching consultant

Expanded Leadership for Women’s and Girls’ Rugby

In a strategic move to enhance the club’s impact on women’s rugby, Mark Robinson, Foundation Manager, has taken on the role of Head of Girls and Women’s Rugby at Swinton. Mark’s extensive experience with the Foundation and commitment to rugby development make him the ideal leader to drive growth in the women’s game at all levels.

Club Leadership and Vision

Overseeing this exciting setup is Jason Harborow, Swinton Lions Club Board Member and Chair of the Swinton Lions Foundation. With Jason’s vision and leadership, the Lionesses are setting their sights firmly on promotion. This redefined focus, paired with Jason’s commitment to strategic growth, will ensure the Lionesses have the support they need to succeed on and off the field.

Jason shared his thoughts on the new setup: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Swinton Lionesses. We are committed to building something truly special, with a clear focus on promotion and developing talent across all levels of women’s rugby. With Paul and the new management team, we have the right people in place to support this vision, and I’m looking forward to seeing the team thrive.”

Our first trial date is Wednesday 6th November, arrive 18:30-19:00, at Salford City Roosters M30 7LS

With recruitment well underway and more exciting announcements coming soon, the Lionesses are looking to expand their squad. Open trials will be held commencing 6th November, welcoming all players who share the team’s passion, drive, and ambition to be part of something special at Swinton Lionesses.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this exciting chapter in women’s rugby at Swinton RLFC. Together, we’re building a bright future for the Lionesses focused, ambitious, and ready for promotion.

Lions appoint former Warrington and England star Paul Wood as Head Coach

At Swinton Lions we are thrilled to confirm that our new Head Coach is the former England international and Warrington forward, Paul Wood.

As a top-class player Paul made well over 300 appearances for Warrington Wolves between 1999 and 2014, with whom he twice won the Challenge Cup. He also featured in two Super League Grand Finals at Old Trafford, and helped win the League Leaders Shield in 2011. On the international front, he was twice capped by England in 2005, and was a Great Britain Tourist.

In 2015 he joined Featherstone Rovers, before briefly appearing for Swinton Lions towards the back end of the 2018 season. Paul had in fact already made his Swinton debut on DR from Warrington back in 2013, earning the Heritage Number #1145.

Upon his appointment Paul said, “I’m really honoured to be announced as the new Swinton Lions Head Coach. It’s a privilege to be put in this position.

“Given the history and the proud heritage of Swinton Lions, I feel really fortunate that I’ve been given an opportunity to apply some of my own philosophies on and off the field for this great club. I’m sure that with some hard work and dedication, and some sacrifice, that we can create a clear vision and take the club forward.”

Lions’ CEO, Steve Wild, added, “Paul brings a wealth of high-level rugby league experience to Swinton, and has all the makings of a top-class coach. He has played with, and for, the best in the sport, but it was his deep thinking and off-field philosophy, as much as his glittering playing career, which was exemplified by his bravery and determination, which greatly impressed us.

“As soon as myself and fellow directors Jason and Barry began conversations with Paul we were so impressed by his enthusiasm, experience and integrity. We are, of course, aware that he has yet to create his mark as a Head Coach, but there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that Paul has all the credentials and qualities to do so. He is respected throughout the sport, as a result of which he is very well connected.

“Paul didn’t need to be convinced to buy into our “one club-one vision” philosophy, because in that sense he was already one step ahead of us. He’s an astute student of the game, but also his work with RL Cares has helped shape a modern approach to man-management, and getting the absolute best from those around him. Our club can only be as good as all of its people and all of its constituent parts, and Paul is the right man to lead on this by example.

“Yes, we’ve suffered an on-field setback as a club, but this has given us the time to re-evaluate and reflect, and to re-set our vision. Paul’s personality and personal ambitions are a perfect fit. With everyone connected with Swinton Lions giving him their full support, we are sure that Paul will be create a legacy and be a great success.”

The search for our new Head Coach is progressing well and we have interviewed some strong candidates. More discussions with prospective candidates are planned during the coming week, and we aim to make an appointment as soon as possible.

We’re also pleased with our ongoing player recruitment. Initial player announcements will take place next week, first including news of key player retentions, then with further exciting recruitment updates to follow.

The Board appreciates the continued patience and support of our fans and we are looking forward to a positive 2025 season. Stay tuned for more details on a special club day prior to Christmas, which will include an open fans’ forum.

Thank you for your support.

Following last night’s defeat to Hunslet, which has come as a devastating blow to all of us at Swinton Lions RLFC, we can confirm Head Coach Alan Kilshaw offered his resignation and this was accepted unanimously by the Board of Directors. The Board would however like to place on record its thanks to Alan for all of his hard work on behalf of the club. We will now look to announce a successor as soon as possible, and then take the opportunity to re-set, and look to plan towards a positive future. The club thanks loyal Lions fans for your outstanding and unstinting support, despite the huge disappointment brought upon us by relegation. The Board meets tomorrow, and further updates will follow this week.

Jason Harborow, a lifelong advocate for rugby league, joins Swinton Lions as a Board Member and Foundation Chair

Jason Harborow, a passionate lifelong supporter of rugby league, has played a key role in the sport’s development both locally and internationally.

In 1999, he took top-level rugby league to the USA through the RL World Cup qualifying tournament in partnership with Disney, later serving as Operations Director for the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. More recently, Jason has championed women’s rugby league, supporting teams like Wigan St. Patrick’s, Wigan St. Jude’s, and Wigan Warriors, sponsoring both events and the teams.

In addition to his sports involvement, Jason is a distinguished global leader and senior advisor, specializing in large-scale projects across sports, culture, and entertainment. He is the founder and Chief Executive at Global-13, where he advises on major global initiatives.

He has also held key leadership roles in the UK and Europe, including serving as Chief Executive of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture, and General Manager of the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Jason is a prominent advocate for inclusiveness and community engagement, and he also shares his expertise as a visiting lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

Jason’s passion for Swinton Lions stems from the club’s strong community focus. He is eager to help the club achieve its ambitions to develop a new stadium and expand its impact across Greater Manchester and the north west.

Having accepted the invite to join the Lions’ Board and Chair its Foundation, Jason said, “Swinton Lions is a club built on strong community values, and I’m passionate about helping the club grow its impact both on and off the field.

“Through the Swinton Lions Foundation, we’re dedicated to engaging with the local community, promoting participation, and driving real change. I’m also excited to support the club’s vision to develop a new stadium and expand its reach across Swinton, Salford, Greater Manchester and the north west, ensuring that Swinton Lions continues to be a pillar of the community for years to come.”

Speaking on behalf of the Swinton Lions Board, CEO Steve Wild added, “Upon meeting with Jason last week, initially to discuss the ongoing development of our Foundation, it quickly became apparent that here was a person with impressive business and rugby league related credentials, and someone who might not only fill our vacant position of Foundation Chair, but whose CV could also be of immense value to the club as a whole.

“I was therefore delighted when Jason enthusiastically accepted our invitation to join our Board of Directors, to help drive our strategic long term vision. It was clear that Jason and the club share similar goals, especially in terms of driving participation in rugby league through community focus, which also fits in well with our new stadium ambitions. He is very well connected from a potential commercial perspective, and has held several successful senior roles within this sport and other sports.

“We believe that the Board and Foundation dual appointment of Jason is a significant coup for our club, and we are delighted to have him on board.”

SWINTON LIONS 20 DONCASTER 22

IAN RIGG at Heywood Road, Sunday 22 September 2024

Doncaster confirmed their Championship status with a hard-fought victory and leaves the Lions possibly facing a play off to secure theirs. The visitors took the lead in the fourth minute when Pauli Pauli crashed over on the left taking defenders with him, but Connor Robinson was unable to convert. The Lions hit back four minutes later when Jack Stevens sent Richard Lepori over for a try and Stevens added the conversion. Doncaster then forced a goal line drop out on fourteen minutes and from this pressure on the line and a Robinson pass saw Loui McConnell go in from close range and Robinson added the conversion to put them back ahead. The Lions then had some pressure near the line but the damp conditions were causing handling errors from both sides. Luke Briscoe extended the lead for his side on twenty-two minutes after latching onto a Robinson kick to score on the right, but the conversion was missed. Doncaster forced another goal line drop out just after this and Lewis Hall went short with his kick but could not regather the ball and the visitors were awarded a penalty just after for a tip tackle and Robinson converted it. The Lions then had a purple patch trying to fight back and Jordy Gibson sold a dummy to the defence to go over on the left with four minutes to the break and Stevens added the conversion and they finished the half just two points behind when Stevens landed a penalty for obstruction in the final seconds.

Doncaster again started the half strongly and they forced two goal line dropouts in the opening few minutes, but the Lions defence was good and held them out. The Lions had a good chance on fifty-three minutes when Tee Ritson made a seventy metre break up the right wing only to be tackled ten metres short on the last tackle. Stevens levelled the scores on fifty-five minutes with a penalty for holding down and just after the restart in the next set Gibson kicked a forty-twenty and from this the Lions made Doncaster pay when a good passing movement saw Ritson crash over in the right corner to put the Lions ahead, but Stevens was unable to convert from the touchline. Gav Rodden found himself in the sin-bin on sixty-two minutes and just after this Gibson kicked another forty-twenty after Josh Guzdek allowed the ball to bounce, but they could not make anything of this one. McConnell added what turned out to be the Doncaster match winner with thirteen minutes left when he dummied his pass to go over by the posts and Robinson put his team back ahead. The Lions then went back on the attack again trying to claw back some points and twice they got near the line but again handing errors were their downfall. Doncaster came back again in the dying minutes and it too some good defence from the Lions to keep them out.

LIONS
25 Richard Lepori
32 Tee Ritson
3 Jake Spedding
4 Jayden Hatton
5 Rhys Williams
18 Jack Stevens
7 Jordy Gibson
13 Mikey Wood
14 Josh Eaves
10 Gavin Bennion
11 Gav Rodden
12 Mitch Cox
16 Lewis Hall

Subs (all used)
1 Dan Abram
26 Ant Walker
24 Jordan Case
33 Leon Cowen

Tries: Lepori (8), Gibson (36), Ritson (59)
Goals: Stevens 4/5
Sin-bin: Rodden (62)

DONCASTER
17 Josh Guzdek
5 Luke Briscoe
4 Reece Lyne
23 Jason Tali
30 Bureta Faraimo
24 Watson Boas
7 Connor Robinson
31 Lewis Baxter
13 Loui McConnell
10 Suaia Matagi
12 Alex Sutcliffe
16 Pauli Pauli
28 AJ Wallace

Subs (all used)
3 Brad Hey
14 Alex Hodstock
11 Sam Smeaton
25 Ilikya Mafi

Tries: Pauli Pauli (4), McConnell (15,67), Briscoe (22)
Goals: Robinson 3/5

Penalty count: 3-8
Half-time: 14-16
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas
Attendance: 836

Swinton CEO to become RFL Vice-President, & Mayor confirms Lions are key to city’s Rugby strategy

At Wednesday’s Rugby Football League Council Meeting, which took place at the AJ Bell Stadium, the Lions’ CEO Steve Wild was confirmed as the incoming RFL Vice-President on a two-year term commencing in January 2025. Steve will share the role and honour with former women’s England international player Danika Priim. Meanwhile, broadcaster Adam Hills MBE, who is well known for his advocacy of inclusive participation in sport, was appointed President elect.

Following news of Steve’s impending appointment, the club was delighted to receive a congratulatory message from City of Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, who re-affirmed the Council’s commitment to working closely with Swinton Lions moving forward.

The Mayor said, “Congratulations to Steve Wild, CEO of Swinton Lions, following his election as the Vice-President of the Rugby Football League.

“Salford Council have been working with rugby clubs across the city, from the professional level all the way down to the grassroots, to develop our Rugby Strategy for Salford, and Swinton Lions are key partners in this.

“I look forward to working with Steve in promoting rugby league at a local and national level, and in making sure our communities and residents here in Salford share in the sporting, health, social and economic benefits the sport can provide.”

Upon receiving news of the Vice-Presidency, Steve said, “For someone who grew up supporting the Lions from the terraces at Station Road I am overwhelmed with pride at this appointment, and immensely humbled. Pride not just for me personally, but for everyone associated with our historic club, as hopefully it demonstrates the respect Swinton Lions holds in the sport as a result of our combined efforts.

“But just on a personal level it’s almost impossible to justify the hours I continue to commit to Swinton Lions, and on that subject I want to pay tribute to my wife Lesley, and my family, for putting up with it! This club is not a vanity project, it’s seriously challenging and stressful work.

“One of my biggest sources of pride has been the emergence of our Foundation – specifically the progress of our Lionesses; our Player Pathway programmes; and our community social impact programmes. Our reach and effectiveness are set to reach new heights in the months and years to come, thanks to the commitment and amazing talent we have within our community team.

“I also want to take this opportunity to put on record our Board’s determination to double down on our determination to bring the Lions back to M27, and secure a new long term home venue not only for the Lions, but one which has a true community and cross-sport focus. I’m pleased to report that we are already progressing well in establishing the necessary partnerships that we believe can finally make this 32 year old dream come true. It’s very pleasing in this respect to note the warm and practical support we are currently receiving from Salford City Council.

“Work has been progressing for some time behind the scenes on our “M27 Vision”, but as a Board we have admittedly favoured a policy of a quiet and considered approach, rather than go at it all guns blazing and then risk letting people down – conscious as we are of previous false dawns. However, the announcement with regards to the Vice-Presidency, and the public support we are receiving from Paul Dennett and Salford City Council, I think makes this an opportune time to re-iterate our long-term aims for the club.

“Further news in respect of the partnerships that we are pulling together, plus other exciting project news and personnel appointments into the club, will follow over the next few days.

“In the meantime, I re-iterate once again that I believe we have an amazing Board at Swinton Lions, plus incredible staff, players and volunteer network. We also have the best fans in the sport, and tremendous supporter initiatives, which is demonstrated by the determination and loyalty Swinton fans have collectively demonstrated over these past 32 years. That we are competing competitively in a tough competition such as the Championship in 2024, is I believe, a significant achievement in itself.

“Hopefully together we can go on to deliver a sustainable long-term future for the Lions, and if this honorary position can help progress that plan in any way whatsoever, then I’ll be absolutely thrilled.”

DEWSBURY RAMS 16 SWINTON LIONS 28

IAN RIGG at FLAIR Stadium, Sunday 15 September 2024

The 11 Lions held out to claim the victory as discipline went to the wall at stages. It was a strong start from Swinton forcing the Rams into two goal line drop-outs in the first three minutes before Josh Eaves was held up on five minutes. It was all Lions pressure and again the Rams had to be on their game to stop an attack down the left. The visitors eventually took the lead on 14 minutes when Jack Stevens made a break down the middle before putting in a nice kick for Jake Spedding to chase and score in the right corner and Dan Abram converted. Three minutes later they were in again when Jordy Gibson floated a kick to the left and Jayden Hatton collected it in the air to score and claim his 100th Lions career point with Abram again on target with the conversion. Abram added the third try on 22 minutes when the Rams defence fumbled a Gibson kick near their own line, and he went in at the corner and added the conversion. The Rams hit back two minutes later when Ronan Dixon powered over under the posts with his first touch and Paul Sykes converted.

A fight broke out on the half hour when Gav Rodden was shown a red card for use of the head and Dixon was shown yellow for retaliation. Plenty more went on in the melee and others were perhaps fortunate to avoid cards. Within a minute Rams were over again when Keenen Tomlinson scored in the corner from a kick and Sykes converted. Zeus Silk was held up six minutes from the break and then forced a goal line drop-out, but they lost the ball in the first tackle and Spedding picked up the ball to race 60 metres before being held down in the Rams twenty and this saw Bailey O’Connor sent to the sin-bin. With seconds to go before half time the Lions were awarded a penalty right by the posts and Abram converted it.

Dixon returned from the sin-bin after the break, but within a minute of the restart he found himself back in it again for a late hit on Gibson. The Lions came strong again and on 46 minutes Gibson put a kick to the left corner and Hatton had two bites at the bouncing ball to score in the corner, but Abram was off target. It was a case of same again three minutes later when Hatton scored off another Gibson kick but again Abram missed the conversion. Rams tried to come back again, and Jackson Walker went close. Then as the Lions tried to clear their line Richard Lepori got involved in a tackle and he was also red carded for use of the head. There was still over 20 minutes to play so when Dewsbury scored again through Ollie Greensmith the final hooter looked some distance away for the Lions. Sykes could not convert that one, and Swinton’s defence was heroic for the remainder of the match. In the closing stages both Gibson and Stevens tried drop-goals to give the Lions the security of a 13-point lead, but both sailed wide.

LIONS
1 Dan Abram
25 Richard Lepori
3 Jake Spedding
4 Jayden Hatton
5 Rhys Williams
18 Jack Stevens
7 Jordy Gibson
10 Gavin Bennion
14 Josh Eaves
13 Mikey Wood
11 Gav Rodden
12 Mitch Cox
16 Lewis Hall

Subs (all used)
33 Leon Cowen
26 Ant Walker
24 Jordan Case
8 Liam Cooper

Tries: Spedding (14), Hatton (17,46,49), Abram (22)
Goals: 4/6
Dismissals: Rodden (30) Headbutt, Lepori (58) Headbutt

DEWSBURY RAMS
4 Bailey O’Connor
5 Lewis Carr
22 Marcus Walker
3 Ollie Greensmith
37 Keenan Tomlinson
6 Paul Sykes
9 Jacob Hookem
16 Elliot Morris
33 Reiss Butterworth
17 Jackson Walker
11 Brad Graham
30 Dale Ferguson
13 Louis Collinson

Subs (all used)
36 Luke Mearns
26 Jamie Field
10 Ronan Dixon
32 Zeus Silk

Tries: Dixon (24), Tomlinson (31), Greensmith (59)
Goals: Sykes 2/3
Sin-bin: Dixon (30) Fighting, Dixon (41) Late Hit

Penalty count: 6-5
Half-time: 12-20
Referee: Ben Thaler
Attendance: nk

Swinton Lions’ Foundation announces strategic changes to maintain startling progress!

One of the great success stories at Swinton Lions post-covid has been the rapid rise and reach of the Swinton Lions Community Sports Foundation.

The launch of our Swinton Lionesses women’s team was a seminal moment in the history of our club. We have also seen the fantastic progress of our Lions Elite Athlete Player Pathway (LEAPP) programme, and also our Under 18s and Under 16s Lions Talent Pathway (LTP) programmes. These are perhaps the most visible of our ongoing projects, but they represent just the tip of the iceberg amongst so many great community success stories.

Such has been our Foundation’s progress, that we have undertaken a review of its management structure, to ensure its continued success and growth.

Damian Ridpath has now been appointed as the first ever CEO of the Lions’ Foundation, to enable him to concentrate more time on the strategic direction of the Foundation, rather than its grass roots delivery. Damian’s change of emphasis has created a new role within the organisation, that of Foundation Manager. Mark Robinson takes up that role, with a brief to manage and deliver the day-to-day activities of the Foundation.

Damian said, “I am delighted to be announced as the first Lions Foundation CEO. As part of our strategic vision for the club, in conjunction with the direction of Rugby League as a whole, getting the structure of the Foundation right is an important action to ensure its viability for future growth. I am also delighted that Mark Robinson has accepted the role of Foundation Manager, and together we will drive forward the Foundation’s services to the community. I also want to pay tribute to all those who are making such a fantastic contribution, with Steve Thirkell and his coaching and back-room team at the Lionesses, Dougie Owen, Gareth Pratt, Luke Waterworth who are central to our talent pathway, and indeed all of our community coaches and volunteers. I am also thrilled that the Swinton Lions Foundation is now so positively respected across the whole of Rugby League and beyond.”

Upon his appointment as Foundation Manager, Mark Robinson, said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the new Swinton Lions Foundation Manager. I feel as though this is the next step in my personal pathway in Rugby League, but more importantly in the pathway of the Lions Foundation itself. I’m looking forward to working with the Lionesses, our pathway programmes, and to growing the already amazing school projects that we deliver – and much more besides. My aim is to also start and grow our wheelchair rugby team, an LDRL team, as well as introduce Tag Rugby and Walking Rugby for the over 55s. Finally, I would like to thank Damian and all concerned for this opportunity.”

We are also delighted to announce that club director Andy Unwin will act in the role of Chairman of the Foundation. This is a temporary appointment whilst we seek an individual from outside of the current Swinton Lions set-up, which will not only help ensure good governance, but also the continued influx of fresh ideas from outside of the current overall club set-up.

Whilst our Foundation continues to have a positive impact in Manchester, Trafford and Bolton, our relationship with Salford City Council has arguably never been better, and this will enable us to continue to maintain a positive influence across the whole city into the future, including of course within Swinton & Pendlebury itself. With news of a specific City of Salford Rugby League strategy taking place, it’s imperative that Swinton Lions is in a position to play an influential role.