Two key players from one of Great Britain’s top four teams, the Tamworth Phoenix, have signed contracts with teams on the continent. Safety Will Hobbs has agreed to terms with Switzerland’s Calanda Broncos while teammate and offensive tackle Jamie Gallagher will play for La-Queue-En-Brie Gladiateurs in France’s Elite division.
Hobbs and Gallagher join a third Tamworth player, cornerback John Kenyon, on the continent. Kenyon will play for Germany’s Potsdam Royals.
The Tamworth Phoenix, from the town of Atherstone, have been one of the most successful clubs in Great Britain’s Premiership Division over the past few years. They have reached the British semifinals three years running and made the playoffs every year since 2012.
Will Hobbs just finished his second season playing at the top level with the Phoenix and has had a huge impact and was considered a key playmaker in the team’s undefeated regular season in 2016. He joins the Calanda Broncos who have been one of the top teams in Switzerland for the past 10 years. The Broncos have won six of the last eight Swiss Bowl titles and won Eurobowl in 2012.
Will Hobbs’ (#3) highlights from 2015-2016:
Hobbs follows the recent move of tackle Jamie Gallagher, who after two stellar years as left tackle for the Phoenix signed for La-Queue-En-Brie Gladiateurs in France. Gallagher was a staple on the young talented Phoenix offensive line that helped score 472 points in 2016. His aggressiveness and hustle are sure to make an instant impact for the French club.
Although the La-Queue-En-Brie Gladiateurs struggled through their first year in France’s Elite League, they are making moves to bolster the roster and improve in 2017.
Jamie Gallagher’s highlights from the past few seasons:
Follows Tamworth philosophy
The moves highlight the Premier North champion’s philosophy of ambition for itself and its players. Developing players through top quality coaching and playing at the highest level in the country are fundamentals to the Phoenix’s success. With so many young talented players across the team that are already making an impact for the national squad (or will be within the year), the Phoenix hope to continue to develop top quality football players that take the step up to pro.
Jason Scott, Director of Performance for the Phoenix had this to say on the signings:
“The Phoenix are proud to work with and develop the best young British players in the U.K., and we’re delighted that those players are finding opportunities abroad. We certainly don’t begrudge those athletes from playing in Europe, and we’ll certainly welcome them back when they return home.
To have former Nix standouts like Kenyon, Gallagher and Hobbs representing our brand overseas is only a good thing, and is a testament to their drive, determination and passion to be the best players they can be.
I think it also speaks about the quality of our program, our coaching and our philosophy that makes Phoenix players such an attractive proposition for the professional leagues.”
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