Mike Waywell

Rugby union career

A product of the Sale Sharks academy, Mike began his career by playing academy rugby for Sale as well as lower league club rugby for Preston Grasshoppers and Altrincham Kersal before being signed by Fylde part way through the 2007–08 season. While at Fylde Mike proved to be a highly versatile and valuable player scoring both tries and being a reliable points kicker with 362 points scored in his seasons spent with the club. It was his performances for Fylde which led to Mike being called up by the Lancashire county team which he helped to win the prestigious Bill Beaumont in 2010 - a feat which also saw him be awarded the Lancashire Young Player of the Year. Further good performances for Fylde meant that Mike was also selected for the England Counties XV in 2012, playing an Irish Clubs XV in Preston.

in 2012 Mike left Fylde to move to Hong Kong where he spent a season at Kowloon in the Hong Kong Premiership - a spell blighted by restricted game time due to Visa issues and the tragic death of his friend and fellow player, David Tait. After his brief experience abroad Mike returned to Fylde before switching to Sedgley Park a division below in National League 2 North for the 2013–14 season. Mike made this move as he had just opened a gym in the summer and was unable to juggle his business with the increased travel demands of Fylde in National League 1.

Honours

Fylde Lancashire Cup winner (3 times): 2009, 2010, 2011 Lancashire Young Player of the Year Award winner National League 2 North champions: 2010-11

County/Representative Bill Beaumont Cup winner with Lancashire: 2010 Selected for England Counties XV: 2012