Greens boosted by the availability of former England back Scarbrough

Former England international and Leeds Carnegie back Dan Scarbrough is set to make his debut for Wharfedale tomorrow.

The 35-year-old retired in the summer after spells in France with Racing Metro and Lille, and is training to be a teacher.

But an old friendship with Wharfedale head coach Jon Feeley has seen him rekindle his interest in the amateur game and he will step off the bench for the Greens today in their National One game against Coventry.

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Feeley said: “I know he’s got a lot of work commitments and it’s not easy being a teacher, as I know, so I just told him he knows where we are if he wants to get involved.

“He’s got quality on the pitch, we know that, but it’s also about having him around to give the place a lift and give the younger guys some advice.”

Leeds Carnegie’s top try-scorer last season, David Doherty, says the British and Irish Cup has come at the perfect time for his rehabilitation from injury.

He has missed the last three games with a stomach muscle injury, but makes his return against Gala at York’s Clifton Park tomorrow.

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He began the season at full-back, but with the return of first choice No 15 Stevie McColl, Doherty returns to his natural habitat tomorrow.

“I’ve enjoyed playing full-back but it’s good to know I’ll be going back home as it were and playing on the wing,” he said.

“The British and Irish Cup has come at the right time for me in the respect of overcoming my injury.

“Right now I’m just looking forward to getting back involved.”

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Head coach James Lowes has named 17-year-old Jack Walker as his starting hooker for tomorrow’s game, meaning the teenager eclipses England Saxons squad member Calum Clark as the youngest forward to start for Leeds.

For Walker – younger brother of first-team regular Chris – and players like Doherty, tomorrow’s game against the Scottish Borders side offers the chance to cement a place in the first team.

“Everyone knows this year we have got a lot of depth and if you’re not on your A-game then you won’t be in the team for long,” said Doherty.

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