As Rugby fever hits Warrington ahead of the Rugby League World Cup sports students at Warrington Wolves Education Academy at Warrington Collegiate, are enjoying their own special link. 
Not only has Senior Lecturer in Sport and former Irish International Liam Bretherton played against a former Samoan team, he has also played alongside Willie Swann, a well-known player in the 1990’s who came to Warrington Wolves in 1996. Later, Liam and Willie played together for Leigh Centurions.
For Liam, having the Samoan team in Warrington brings back fond memories of his playing career.
Liam said, “I was first capped as an Irish International in 1999 and played against Samoa in the opening game of the Millennium Rugby League World Cup, 2000 at Windsor Park, Belfast. Ireland won that game decisively. Willie Swann was in the Samoan team and he and I played together for both Warrington Wolves and Leigh Centurions. He was a skilled and talented player and we have kept in touch over the years.”
When Warrington Collegiate celebrated Samoa Independence Day Liam contacted Willie, who now lives in New Zealand, for information on Samoan arts, customs and culture. Together with his students he put together an impressive presentation as well as arranging for catering students to provide mouth-watering samples of Samoan food including coconut cakes and coconut bread.
Liam added, “The Rugby League World Cup brings back many happy memories and times I shared with Willie. He was a fantastic player and a great friend. Willie has stayed in the industry, like me, but we have taken different paths, he is currently a Rugby League Coach for the Auckland Vulcans and I’ve gone into teaching.”
Liam has an impressive track record of playing and working in the Rugby Industry. After graduating with a Degree in Sports Science from the University of Lancaster Liam gained a PGCE (FE) from the University of Manchester. Following a playing career which saw him play Rugby for Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors and Leigh Centurions, including international stardom with Ireland, Liam taught for 12 year in Further Education, joining Warrington Collegiate in 2012 to become Course leader and Lecturer in Sport for the Warrington Wolves Education Academy.
Alongside teaching he has developed his career as a much sought after Strength and Conditioning Coach, including working with the Irish Rugby League team for the 2008 World Cup qualifiers. He is currently studying for a university level qualification in Leadership and Management, with ambitions to move into a managerial position, having just been appointed Senior Lecturer in Sport at Warrington Collegiate
Samoan rugby memories for college tutor
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
