Leatherbarrow banks on a third tier future
TEDDY Leatherbarrow's decision to drop down to the third tier of English rugby is very much a tale of the times in rugby.
The young flanker looked to have a bright future in the professional game when he impressed with the Scarlets last season.
But now he has opted to focus on a career in banking, while playing for Greater Manchester club Sedgley Park Tigers in National League 1.
It's a move based on the precarious nature of rugby as a livelihood and the physical toll it takes on the body.
During his time in west Wales, Leatherbarrow picked up a knee injury which required extensive surgery and he was also knocked out in a match.
Prioritising health
So the former Loughborough University student chose to prioritise his health and his future, turning down a new deal.
“I can't be grateful enough to the Scarlets for giving me an opportunity and showing faith in me,” said the 24-year-old.
“I really enjoyed my rugby and thought I was playing well. There was an offer there from them, but we couldn't get to an agreement.
“Then the opportunity came to move into corporate banking at Santander, which is what I am doing now.
“Alongside that, I spoke to Sedgley and they were really keen to have me on board. It's what I would describe as a proper rugby club, in terms of its values and culture. They don't go trying to spend silly amounts of money. They spend within their means and use local talent. That was something that really appealed to me.
“My brother Ollie was on loan there from Newcastle last season and said it was a great environment, while I have got friends who have raved about their time there.”
Weighing up options
Leatherbarrow, 24, – who grew up in Knutsford, Cheshire, and came through the Sale Sharks Academy – continued: “It was just really a weighing up of the options.
“You don't have to look far to see how short a rugby career can be. It's scary when you see it happening and no-one is immune to that, especially now with the amount of players on the market. I can't see it getting much better any time soon.
“It feels like a bit of a different game to a few years back when there was lots of money being thrown around. Weighing it up, it didn't quite make sense for me to carry on with the toll it takes on your body.”
Outlining that toll, he said: “I tore my meniscus against Cardiff at the beginning of November and then played 16 games after that. I eventually had it operated on and to use the surgeon's words ‘your meniscus is mashed'. He had to do a big repair job on it. I also got knocked out against the Ospreys on Boxing Day.
“You see players who are 30 and are broken men and you can't put a price on your health, in my opinion. I didn't want to play until my body was broken.
“I had a really good opportunity to move out into banking and, the more I thought about it, the more I warmed to the idea. I felt like I had scratched that itch of playing professional rugby and showing I could compete at the top level.
“It's a decision in terms of what's best for my future body. I'm lucky I have a set of brains that will let me work in another industry, while still playing a decent level of rugby with Sedgley. If carrying on playing professionally was the be-all and end-all for me, I would probably still be at the Scarlets. I am happy with the decision I have made.”
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