We’re dead proud of Jack Lightbown. Not only for his achievements as a player, developing into a highly rated young tighthead prop at Sale Sharks and England, but for his generosity and enthusiasm in returning to Eccles to help coach and develop our juniors.
Jack joined Eccles RFC as an U13 and played his junior and colts rugby at the club, most often in the number 8 jersey. In July 2021, ahead of his U16 season at Eccles, Jack was selected for the Sale Sharks Academy SDG programme and went on to achieve his first international Cap for England U18s vs France April 2023 and was selected in August 2023 for the England U18s Tour to South Africa playing in the back row alongside Henry Pollock. Jack studied A Level Physical Education, Accounting and Economics and in Spring 2024 he was awarded a contract at Sale Sharks, and was named in the England U20 Men’s Elite Player Squad for the 2025/26 season.
Whilst achieving all that Jack has been giving back to the club. Following his support of our annual Mini & Junior presentation evening, handing medals and trophies out, Jack expressed an interest in coaching a Junior team and since December 2024 he has supported Chris Fortune and Steve Brennan in developing the U15s into an improving, growing U16s squad.
Speaking about his involvement with the team Jack said "I’ve loved coaching the lads and I have developed a genuine passion to make these guys better rugby players. I’ve found it challenging to put myself back in that 16 year old frame of mind and realise that at that age, you aren’t the finished article - I think when I went into it, I probably expected way too much of them. However, as I have gotten to know the lads and what makes them tick, engage and enjoy, I have been able to better align myself with them ad get the best out of them in my drills. A good coach can make someone better at sport, a great coach has a positive impact on and off the field and I hope that I can do that, for at least one of the lads."
Danny Nicholls, Mini & Junior Chairman commented “Not only has Jack offered a helping hand, but he has grown into directing the team’s playing style and, in collaboration with the other coaches, he’s actively plotting and planning session plans to get the best out the lads on game day. I witnessed some really effective coaching of patterns of play last week and it’s inspiring to see him give back".
Chris Gaffey, Club Chairman added “It was a privilege to coach Jack as a Junior and Colt at Eccles. A committed, respectful, positive young man - a credit to his parents - Jack always gave his all for the team and always with big smile on his face. When talented players depart Eccles to play their rugby at a higher level we wish them well and take great pride in watching their development and success, in the hope that in the future, perhaps at the end of their career, they’ll return to share what they’ve experienced with the next generation. I certainly didn’t expect Jack to be back at Eccles so soon, so I was delighted when he asked for an opportunity to coach and I’ve enjoyed watching his progress with the lads over the last two seasons. I’m looking forward to seeing what Jack does next as much as I‘m looking forward to seeing his England shirt on the clubhouse wall!”
