Oldham RLFC have announced the signing of Welsh centre Calvin Wellington.
Originally from Port Talbot, Wellington came north to St Helens in 2015 alongside Regan Grace, his winger at that time in a Welsh Junior Rugby Union side – Aberavon Quins.
Wellington said: “We went up to Saints together. Regan was my winger at Aberavon. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”
Wellington – now aged 25 – made his Senior debut for St Helens in May 2016 against Huddersfield Giants at the Magic Weekend. After a spell back in Rugby Union, Wellington represented Workington Town, helping the club earn promotion to the Betfred Championship.
Wellington added: “I prefer League, there’s a lot more involvement. Things didn’t work out for me at Dragons because of injuries and opportunity knocked for me at Workington Town so I went up there.
“It was great to be back in League and eventually to be part of the Town team that won promotion at the end of last season, but a lot of my time in Cumbria was affected by Covid.
“I feel I’m still finding my feet in League, and I want to improve and learn as much as I can. One of the things that attracted me to Oldham was the opportunity to be coached by an ex-player who used to be a top centre.
“If Stu Littler can’t show me how to be a good centre, who can?”
“The other attraction was a logistical one. I’m living now with my partner in Manchester and studying for a law degree at the Open University.
“Workington wanted me to go up to the Championship with them and had offered me a new deal for 2022, but in the circumstances my decision to opt for the Roughyeds was a no-brainer.
“I know I’ll be a division lower than Town, but it would be nice to win two promotions in two years!”
Oldham Head Coach Stuart Littler added: “Calvin is an exciting signing and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“Things are looking good as far as our squad-building exercise is going. We still need a few more and I’m expecting another announcement over the weekend.”
