After a very difficult three years for the player pathway programme due to Covid, it was extremely encouraging to see Hugo Alexander turn out for the A-team in their game against Castleford this weekend.
Hugo is the first out of our new pathway programme of talented young Academy players to benefit from the leadership team that we have in place within the senior squads to ensure the transition into senior rugby is kept safe and managed correctly. The A-team is a great introduction for players as they ensure that young players coming through have fun in the game, on and off the field!
Hugo made his senior debut at prop, a position that our senior sides have struggled with somewhat this season. He played 60 minutes and worked extremely hard, with the forwards running in plenty of ball, holding his own in the scrum with the pack taking 3 against the head during the game.
Hugo came back to club this season after a break from rugby, but rekindled his love for the game due to selection for the First XV at QEGS last year. Unfortunately, Hugo suffered a collarbone fracture during a School game towards the end of last season so had to wait until early October to start training with Huddersfield. Hugo worked hard to get his start with the Academy at prop against some tough under 18 teams but his patience, willingness to improve and resilience is testament to his character as a person earning him player of the month for the team in January.
The A-Team leadership team took Hugo under their care to ensure that he was welcomed into the team and looked after on and off the field, well done boys.
Still a lot of learning to do Hugo but we hope you continue your rugby path here at Huddersfield, props are like hen’s teeth at the moment so there will be some signing on fee negation to be had next season!
All the best from your Academy teammates, Stan and the rest of the coaching staff.
