All Golds snap up union convert

Gloucestershire All Golds have announced the signing of a convert from rugby union, in the shape of 24-year-old James Fisher.

Fisher is a product of local rugby union in his home county, having played junior rugby for Cirencester RFC, where he holds several records. 

He has been the club’s top try scorer for the last five seasons, a record, and also holds their record for successful goal kicks in a single game, with 12 from 12.

Remarkably, he only started playing rugby league at the age of 23, when he tried the code out with Cheltenham Old Patesians.

The club were experimenting successfully with being a dual-code rugby club, and Fisher shone for them. He notched four tries in the West of England Grand Final, as Old Patesians took home the title.

“All my life I’ve dreamt of receiving a professional contract and at 24 I thought it was a bit late,” said Fisher.

“Rugby league has helped me achieve my dream and it has proven that with the right support, hard work and someone that believes in you, dreams can come true – as corny as it sounds.” 

Lionel Hurst, club president at the All Golds, hailed his club’s new player, as a man who can ignite some local passion and pride in the team, as well as add significant quality.

“The All Golds are very excited to have signed James. He is Gloucestershire born and bred and I know how proud he will be to pull on the All Golds shirt when he plays his first game for us,” he said.

“It’s an incredible achievement by James. It is down to his sheer hard work and talent and it also shows how far the All Golds, the University of Gloucestershire and our partner clubs have come already in developing rugby league in the county.”