Scorpions swoop for union utility

Correspondent

Former Neath RFC utility back Matt Hutchings will return to The Gnoll this Sunday after signing for South Wales Scorpions Rugby League Club.

He is in contention to make his debut in the Scorpions first ever game, a Co-operative Championship 1 clash against Workington Town in Neath this Sunday (kick-off 1pm).

Hutchings, who arrives at the club from Welsh Premiership rugby union side Pontypridd RFC, has also been playing rugby league for Bridgend Blue Bulls for the past four seasons, guiding them to two Welsh Championships.

Starting out at Treorchy RFC, the Rhondda-born player signed for Neath initially at under 21 level. He went on to play for Treherbert and then Bridgend Ravens from 2005-07, which is when he started playing rugby league for the successful Blue Bulls side.

His rugby league prowess came to fruition last year when he made his Wales A debut against England, scoring two tries as Wales won 42-4 on their way to their seventh Home Nations Championship in the last eight years.

The 29-year old, who can turn out at full-back, centre, wing or stand-off in rugby league, is also a proven goal-kicker.

“Matt is an excellent player. I’m very pleased for him,” said Blue Bulls’ chairman Simon Green. “He is very versatile and can play in any position in the backs. He was outstanding in guiding us to three Grand Finals but didn’t get a chance to play in those games due to rugby union club commitments. Hopefully now with the Scorpions, he’ll get more chances to shine on the big stage.”