News | Monday, 12th April 2021
Rugby Union Scholar signs first professional contract with Premiership team Sale Sharks
Jordan Tebbatt was spotted playing for the University side after only four months after joining
A Sports Scholar at Manchester Metropolitan University has signed a professional contract with Premiership Rugby club Sale Sharks after being spotted playing for the University side.
Jordan Tebbatt, a Sport and Exercise Science student, signed with Sale Sharks who are currently third in the Premiership Rugby league, only four months after joining the University.
Tebbatt joined Manchester Met in September 2020 after almost taking a break from the sport. After speaking with the University’s Head of Rugby Rob Jones after finishing college, he was offered a sports scholarship at the University.
The scholarship offers elite athletes the opportunity to study and train with a bespoke package of support, such as financial, physio, strength and conditioning, nutrition and lifestyle support and much more
Tebbatt, from Leicester, jumped at the opportunity and instantly started training with the University side, as well as Sale FC Rugby – a semi-professional rugby union club.
Only four months in, the 19-year-old who plays in the back row has been scouted by the Sharks and offered his first professional contract. He will train and play for Sale Sharks First Team as well as the represent the University team when his Sharks schedule allows.
Tebbatt said: “The last 18 months has been a whirlwind and I’m so grateful to have received the initial call from Rob – I wouldn’t have been up here in Manchester if it wasn’t for him. And if it wasn’t for the relationship between the University and Sale Sharks I wouldn’t be signing this contract.
“It was always made clear to me from Sale Sharks and the University how important it is to get a degree as well as play. I didn’t come to university expecting a contract but being on the scholarship, having access to world-class facilities and coaches and receiving all of the support, it’s taken a load off. It’s given me a purpose and it sky rocketed my development and knowledge, and it’s all of this that has led to my professional contract now.”
The University and Sale Sharks recently announced a new education programme that offers Leadership and Management Degree Apprenticeship programmes to some players.
Rob Jones, Head of Rugby at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Jordan is a great lad who recognises the importance of a quality education alongside his rugby career. We’re delighted to create the professional pathway in partnership with Sale Sharks for talented student rugby players attending our institution.”
Sale Sharks’ Academy Manager Fergus Mulchrone added: “It’s fantastic to be able to give athletes an opportunity to prove themselves at Sale and it’s even better that we can find and develop rugby talent through educational pathways. Jordan has a wealth of experience within a high-performance set-up following his time in Leicester’s junior academy and everyone at the club is looking forward to seeing how we can help develop his ability further.”
Tebbatt started playing rugby at only five years old, following in the footsteps of both his dad and grandad, and from the very beginning was always a top player.
Before joining the University, he played for his local teams, Leicester Forest Rugby Football Club and the Leicester Tigers Junior Academy. He also captained Leicester County’s under 17s and under 18s side.
But after not making the professional side for Leicester Tigers when finishing college, Tebbatt decided to take a break, until just months later received the call to come to Manchester.
Now, his ultimate goal is to represent his country and play for England’s first team. And after recently having the chance to train with England’s under 20s squad, he has the motivation he needs to go all the way.
With his degree studies in Sport and Exercise Science, Tebbatt also hopes also to be able to open his own sports therapy clinic for elite athletes in the future.
