Saints snap up four young players

St Helens have confirmed that four of the club’s youngsters have been awarded new deals at Langtree Park.

Calvin Wellington, Regan Grace, Ricky Bailey and Jake Spedding have inked deals that will take them to the end of season 2017.

Wellington, 20, and Grace, 19, are both from South Wales, and impressed the club whilst on a two-week trial.

Grace has played twice for the Wales senior squad and has scored plenty of tries for Saints’ academy side.

Wellington, a centre, was spotted playing rugyb union for Aberavon Quins, and has also played league for South Wales Scorpions and Wales.

Full back Bailey, 19, made his debut for St Helens first team against Hull on Easter Monday in 2015.

Another player who is from outside of league’s traditional heartlands, Bailey came through the Midlands Regional Player Development Camp and the Midlands Scholarship.

He has played community rugby for Burton Borough (Newport), Telford Raiders and Shevington before joining Saints. He has also played for England at Academy level.

Spedding, 19, is a threequarter who has made his first team debut for Saints this season, playing two games so far in 2016.

Up to now, he has been splitting his playing time between the Under-19s and reserve teams this season, scoring 15 tries, and is an England Academy international.

Saints coach Keiron Cunningham is very pleased that four such talented young players have committed to the club.

“We’re delighted that these four players have agreed contracts with us,” he said.

“They are dedicated youngsters who, if they continue to keep their head down and work hard, could go very far in the game.

“Calvin made his debut at the Magic Weekend and has been playing well in the reserves competition. To see his journey from Wales to where he is now is testament to his character and the hard work of the academy staff.

“Likewise, Regan Grace is another player who is dedicated to his craft. He is an absolute flyer and if he continues to work hard could be very special indeed.

“Ricky has played well in the reserves and 19s competitions and adds leadership to those sides whilst centre Jake Spedding is another talented player.

“His debut against Warrington this season was excellent and he didn’t look out of place.”