Louis Brogan ready to make impact on professional game
With awards such as the Lancashire Under 19s ‘Player of the Year’, European Championships ‘Best Forward’ and selected in the ‘Team of the Tournament’ whilst representing England Youth, when Louis Brogan says he’s ready for the test ahead of his professional debut season, you believe him.
Swinton Lions announced the signing of the 19-year-old on a one year deal, signing his first professional contract with the Championship outfit led by head coach Stuart Littler.
In 2018, the Lions saw themselves in a play-off against Workington for the last spot in the Championship, but fast forward 12 months later, with assistant coach Allan Coleman and Littler’s staff, the Heywood Road side finished at an impressive ninth at the end of the 2019 campaign – their highest finish in 21 years – with victories over Toulouse, Sheffield, Halifax and a draw to Bradford at Odsal Stadium.
In his debut season in the professional game, Matty Ashton claimed the ‘Top Try Scorer’ award in the division over the likes of Matty Russell and Anthony Thackeray, and was also presented with the ‘Young Player of the Year’ at the Championship End of Season Presentation. And Littler is hoping to introduce more up and coming talent in the game in 2020.
Salford born, Brogan is a player who Littler revealed he had been eyeing up for a few years, but the forward himself admits rugby wasn’t always his main sport.
“To be honest, I started off playing football,” said Brogan.
“I only started playing rugby at school about thirteen or fourteen and I instantly enjoyed it and it just took over from there.
“Since then, I’ve always wanted a career in rugby and it’s always something I’ve had as a goal of mine.”
Alongside now-teammates Frankie Halton and Joe Digby, Brogan arrives after playing amateur rugby at Leigh Miners Rangers, where he was previously awarded as ‘Young Player of the Year’
“Joining from Leigh Miners, I think the coaches are always striving to deliver good quality sessions but there’s also a real togetherness which means you work for each other on the pitch and become really close off it,”said Brogan.
“I think this allows talented players to progress with the right mentality.
“The level is really high and they are one of the most successful amateur clubs about, so it is expected.
“The team is extremely close at Leigh Miners. All my best mates play for the club, so when someone you know does well in the game everyone is happy for them but it also pushes the lads on because they know people are watching them.
“I’m really looking forward to challenging myself at the next level and I’m pretty confident I can take it up a level at Swinton.”
The youngster was called up for England Youth for the European Championships and was selected in the team of the tournament.
His performances also saw him awarded as the ‘Best Forward’ in the tournament, whilst he was also ‘Player of Year’ for Lancashire Under 19s last year and Leigh Miners’ ‘Young Player of the Year’.
“I wasn’t really expecting any awards,” he said.
“Just to represent my country and county was enough of an honour.
“I am extremely proud of winning these awards.”
His 2020 journey has already begun, starting pre-season with Swinton at the AJ Bell Stadium with his latest teammates.
“Training has been really good so far,” Brogan added.
“All the lads have helped me settle in.
“Already you can see how good the vibe is within the squad. I’m really looking forward to testing myself now In the Championship and do something special with Swinton this year.”
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