Warrington-born talent makes full international debut for Ireland

ANOTHER Warrington-born rugby league player made his full international debut at the weekend.

Former Padgate Academy pupil Tom Ashurst represented Ireland on Saturday in a fully-capped international against the Netherlands in Amsterdam – and marked the occasion with a try.

The 18-year-old, who has played for the Crosfields first team this season having been part of the Warrington Wolves Development Academy team that reached last year’s Grand Final and this year’s semi-finals while at Priestley College, started at scrum-half and touched down in a 30-28 victory for the Wolfhounds.

Tom Ashurst dives over for a try on his Ireland debut (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures) Ashurst played most of his junior rugby league for Rylands Sharks, starting in the under 7s age group and progressing all the way through to under 15s before moving over to Crosfields.

He has also turned out for Hindley’s under 18s team and has spent time in the academy at Leigh Leopards.

Ireland led the game 30-12 at half time but had to survive a strong fightback from the hosts before eventually holding on for victory.

“We controlled the first and played with maturity for a team with the average age of 19,” Ireland head coach Wayne Kerr said.

“In the second our errors let the Netherlands back into the game, they took their chances and put us under a lot of pressure with their experienced playmakers.

“The biggest result was that our boys stuck in there which I was very proud of.

“It was the youngest Ireland senior team ever fielded, and definitely shows that our pathways programme has been a success to date.

“If we can keep building towards the future, it could be very bright with these lads.”