Saints sign up Academy youngsters

Ben O’Donnell, Cole Appleby, Daniel Ganson, Daniel Moss and Ellis Keppel have all impressed in the Saints Scholarship side this season and will make the leap up to Academy level next season whilst also joining the current bunch on this years’ Academy tour of Australia in October.

O’Donnell is a powerful second rower who played for Newton Storm amateur club and attended St Edmond Arrowsmith School. He has played eight times for the Scholarship team this year and will make the step up to the Academy next season.

Appleby, a prop forward, played for Folly Lane before moving to Leigh East and has scored seven times in his eight appearances this year for the Saints. He is a member of St Ambrose Barlow school and is a strong carrying prop who has deservedly been selected for England to play against Wales later in the year.

Half back, Ganson, played for Blackbrook and attended De La Salle school. Daniel has also impressed scoring two tries in three appearances and was having a great year for the scholarship team before being cruelly struck down with a serious knee injury, which has put him out of the tour and has also prevented him from being selected for his country.

Daniel Moss, a full back, played for Blackbrook and attended Sutton Academy. Dan has played at full back and stand off for the Under 16s and excelled at both positions scoring three tries in eight appearances. Dan will join Cole in representing England Under 16s in the game against Wales later in the year.

Centre, Ellis Keppel played for Newton Storm and attended Sutton Academy. Ellis is a very strong carrying and defending centre. He was sadly struck down with an illness that restricted his game time this season to just five matches this season, but still managed to impress, scoring one try.

Saints Performance, Welfare & Education Manager, Neil Kilshaw said: “I would like to thank all the community clubs, coaches, and volunteers who have helped these young players on their pathway to this point.

I would also like to thank the school staff who have helped them throughout their school years and we are confident these young players can continue their progression through the Saints Academy system.”