Another product of Pontefract’s junior section made the transition into senior rugby when Jamie Jex, an eighteen year-old apprentice bricklayer from Ponte, made a deserved debut for the First XV against York on 23 March 2024.

‘Playing in the pack at Level Five in the English rugby union system at such an age could have been a step too soon for the 90-kilo flanker-turned-hooker, but he acquitted himself exceptionally well. He’s gutsy and brave – we can coach him the skills, but his courage is instinctive’ crowed Pontefract’s Director of Rugby.

Jamie’s biggest influence in rugby (and critic) has been Stu Gowdy, his girlfriend’s father. ‘He works hard and is a good kid’ says Stu…’but don’t tell him that’. OK, Stu, got it.