"totally inspired and influenced my rugby league aspirations."
Hamza Ayaan Butt, of Nelson, Lancashire, has signed for Wigan Warriors following an impressive season playing rugby league at scholarship level.
The 16-year-old, who attends Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, is believed to be the first British Asian player to sign for the club.
Hamza has earned a reputation as a powerful running centre and goal kicker, having been identified by scouts whilst playing amateur age-group rugby.
The teenager was brought into the Wigan youth system at the age of 15 after some impressive performances.
Hamza has gone on to impress coaches at the club.
Hamza began playing rugby league with Keighley Albion at the age of seven, before going on to play at Wigan St Patrick’s and Leigh Miners Rangers.
Hamza also played rugby union at Burnley RUFC.
The teenager comes from a sporting family and said he has been inspired by his uncles and family friends.
They were amongst the first Asian players to take up the sport in the 1970s and were said to be guided by Brian Foley OBE.
Prior to his retirement, police officer Brian Foley coached many players and mentored Blacko’s Herbie Farnworth, who now plays for the Brisbane Broncos in Australia’s NRL and starred for England in last autumn’s Rugby League World Cup.
Recently, Hamza not only managed to watch his hero Farnworth but got the opportunity to train with him.
Hamza said: “My parent’s wholehearted dedication in supporting, encouraging and motivating me has totally inspired and influenced my rugby league aspirations.”
The sporting pedigree has seemingly been passed down generations as Hamza’s late grandfather, Fiaz Ahmed Butt, taught Hamza special exercises, used by the famous World Wrestling ‘Pehlwani’ champion Ghulam Mohammad Baksh, also known as ‘The Great Gama’.
This was done to increase his stamina and build up his physique.
His father Noushad, who is a director at Nelson-based 3B Systems, said:
“Hamza appreciates the fantastic opportunity that has been given him.”
“However, we all realise this is just the first step on a huge ladder, and we will be there to support Hamza in every possible way.”
But Hamza’s talents are not just limited to rugby.
He was in the Blackburn Rovers junior football system and has represented his school in many different sports, most recently appearing in the National Handball finals in Nottingham.
Hamza hopes to graduate from Wigan Warriors’ renowned academy system which has produced countless professional and international players in recent years.
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