Maidenhead RFC U18 player Jack Belcher signs professional deal with London Irish

Jack Belcher. Photo credit London Irish.

Former Maidenhead RFC junior Jack Belcher has signed his first professional contract with London Irish – a club he grew up watching and supporting.

The 18-year-old has played for Maids u18s for the last two seasons, whilst also representing the London Irish academy side for the last four years and the number eight was left 'speechless' when he was told he would be offered a full-time contract.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Belcher

“When I heard the news I was speechless, it’s every boy’s dream to play professional rugby and to be doing it for a club you have grown up watching and supporting it’s even more overwhelming.

“When our u18s premiership season finished I thought that was it.

“I thought I better start looking at jobs etc for next year, but about a month after I got called for a meeting and they broke the news to me that they want to offer me my first professional contract.

The number eight was part of the Maidenhead RFC U18s that won the RFU National U18 Cup final 45-21 against Tynedale U18 in 2018 and was quick to say how much he enjoyed his time at the club.

“My time at Maidenhead has been fantastic,” added Belcher.

“I have the coaching staff of Gareth and Tony to thank for that they made me feel at home from the very first training session.

“I would call Maidenhead my club but for the past two years it’s been more of a family.”