This weeks #Rugbystory is a Widnes lad who is taking Union by storm after a successful spell in league yet only after starting out playing football. Thankfully he got the bug for Rugby at school and league is where it began. He was part of a successful year group at Wade Deacon high school and managed to play for his hometown club Widnes Vikings through their pathway system. He would go onto to feature for Rochdale Hornets & Whitehaven before a brief stint back playing football at the Parklands. A friend talked him into giving Union a go with Preston Grasshoppers & he's not looked back, now breaking into playing for Lancashire. Ladies & Gents it's Mr Sam Freeman.

This weeks #Rugbystory is Australia born South Africa raised, growing up playing Rugby Union barefooted. Coming through the ranks woth hos school he managed to play for Western Province which is where he was then scouted. Castleford Tigers brought him to England where he had already represented SARL. He would go onto play for Oldham, Doncaster, Widnes, Halifax, Huddersfield, Racing 92 & rep'd Scotland. He also wore the colours of Old Brodleians, Halifax RUFC & Halifax vandals to name a few. Now enjoying his time with Widnes Masters RL ladies & Gents Mr Jamie Bloem.

This weeks #Rugbystory is that of proud Welshman who just loves his Rugby. No shock there but he did grow up playing his Jnr rugby for Treharris RFC & moved to Penartha RFC. He had a decision to make between Celtic Crusaders or Dragons RFC & he chose RL & the Crusaders. He represented Wales RL while with Crusader but it wasn't long until he made a big move & that came with Wigan Warriors. He had a few loan moves but knew he needed to leave to play regularly & went on trail to the Ospreys but decided to stick with RL despite an offer from them. Swinton was where he signed & he loved it. Everything about Swinton resonated with him, honesty, hard work, underdogs & ambition. Some special years spent with the club got him a move to Widnes. It's was somewhat unfinished business after a short spell with them earlier in his career. He was a mainstay and fans favourite here. He played in world cups & represented Wales with passion everytime he pulled the jersey on. Now retired from RL he plays when he can with Blackburn Rugby & returns to the code where it all began. Ladies & Gents my pleasure to introduce Mr Rhodri Lloyd.

This weeks #Rugbystory is St Helens through & through, supporting St helens from birth. He's grew up at Knowsley Road & transitioned to the brew dog & everything inbetween. Witnessed some of the best teams the country has ever seen that had some special players wearing proper jerseys. He's rode that RL rollercoaster with his club & seem boys become legends. Throughout it all his loyalty has never wavered & he's created a podcast to share his love of the club & game it's called In That Number & he's involved with Two yorkshire for a Saint. Ladies & Gents Mr Gaz Haigh.

This weeks #Rugbystory is Manchester born & initially starts with Broughton Park RUFC, managing to play rep rugby for Lancashire whilst playing age grade stuff. He made his rugby breakthrough in RL though through student RL initially, earning international recognition with England Students. This caught the attention of Swinton Lions & he became a fans favourite with great performances & prolific try scoring winning him individual awards. On the back of his form for Swinton, Wales RL managed to hear about his eligibility & before he knows it he earns his first cap. His next move comes & it is his current club Widnes Vikings. With his standards still sky high no wonder he's become a regular & Fans favourite here too. Ladies & Gents Mr Mike Butt.

This weeks #Rugbystory is that of a St Helens lad who began his story at Portico Vine. A brief stint in football occurred before finding his club Thatto Heath, St Helens Crusaders to us oldies. He did train with pilks but politically thay wasn't ever going to be. He managed to play rep rugby throughout with town, region & international honours which he holds in high regards. He signed with Sts & was offered a trial at Sale but Thatto became home. He's been versatile within a very successful team & continues to love the game. Ladies & Gents Mr Sean Leicester.

This weeks chat is all about Widnes Masters RL & the story behind the concept. We learn a little bit about the founder Gary Hughes, team member Jake Webster & how the Widnes Master RL was born. It's a great natter about what it takes to create a team & environment that people want to be a part of. It hasn't always gone Gary's way but he's worked hard for things to click into place. An interesting chat about the behind the scenes rather than just a gameday.

This weeks #Rugbystory is that of a real gent & family man born & raised in Widnes. His jnr clubs were Widnes Tigers & Widnes RUFC where he managed to represent Merseyside, Lancashire & North of England. Salford seen something they liked & snapped him up almost immediately after his game for the North of England. Doing an apprenticeship, he tried to establish himself as a regular first teamer at salford & live the RL dream. He also had a run out at Birchfield with his beloved older brother. He would go onto coach his sons at Widnes RUFC & now one of his grandsons at the same club all whilst being a major cog with the other volunteers in making the wids the place it is. Ladies & Gents Mr David Griffiths.

No #Rugbystory this week but their is a cringey 10-15 #Movember video from myself on the reasons why I believe & take part in #MovemberI mention a charity that is related to the sport that's been & is a massive part of my life in Rugby & they are called Looseheadz. Check out the great work they're doing & the ways you can reach out if you need an avenue to seek help.

This weeks #Rugbystory is Widnes through & through from watching them at wembley to wanting to don the famous white shirt. He played in some very good sides & was plying his trade as a loose forward. His opportunity to play for his hometown club didn't quite materialise but he still loved the game & contributed to Widnes RL throughout. Beginning in the role of scout, he was present at a lot of community rugby games. He progressed to development manager & now currently commercial manager. Widnes RLFC wouldn't be the same without him. Ladies & Gents Mr Dave Rolt