A rugby prospect has been offered a scholarship at his dream club St Helens RFC.

Devan Sharp, 14, of Frizington, has impressed talent scouts at the Super League-winning side with his performances at Hensingham ARLFC.

His dad Jamie said: “They’ve been watching him for a while. Before lockdown he was invited to some development days and impressed the coaches.”

During lockdown Devan has spent two sessions per week with the St Helens strength and conditioning coach, ensuring he will hit the ground running after the pandemic.”

It is a huge opportunity for the young scrum-half. Jamie said: “There were a couple of teams that were interested but he is a fan of St Helens.

“For a 14 year-old it’s an opportunity to be given any scholarship but the team that you support and follow, that’s the icing on the cake.

“Once lockdown is over he’ll be going down to train with the rest of the scholarship students on Monday and Wednesday. Eventually he’ll be looking to move down there. We’re more than happy to do the miles.”

Devan will still complete his GCSEs at his school, West Lakes Academy.

Devan honed his skills at Wath Brow Hornets until it was time to compete in the under-13s. Cleator Moor Boxing Club has also helped him maintain a strong base of fitness.

Jamie said: “Thank you to Wath Brow Hornets and Cleator Moor Boxing Club for the support they’ve shown him over the years.”

Development manager for St Helens, Derek Traynor, said: “It’s the first step on the ladder, that’s the beginning of the pathway into the team. They train in the same facilities as the first team.

“There’s two age groups, under-15s and under-16s.”

The two teams train together.

Traynor said: “It’s a good test for the younger lads. Some of the first-team players come down and train with them.”