UFC star Tom Aspinall eyes career in rugby league!

Wigan borough's own UFC star Tom Aspinall has admitted he'd 'love' a crack at a new career - in rugby league!
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 29-year-old from Atherton is currently sidelined after picking a serious injury while headlining the global promotion’s recent London show at the O2 Arena.

Read More
Wigan Athletic manager's one-word verdict on opening block of games

He blew out his right knee just 15 seconds into round one of his clash against American Curtis Blaydes, and had to helped back to the dressing room in tears.

Tom AspinallTom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But speaking on the latest official Rugby League World Cup podcast, Aspinall expressed a desire to try his hand in the 13-man code, following a chance meeting with England coach Shaun Wane.

“I saw Shaun Wane at the train station," said Aspinall, whose dad, Andy, played alongside the Wigan legend at schoolboy level.

"I was going to London to get stitches out of my knee and he was going down for some talks and stuff like that.

“I said: ‘Look, if you want me to have a game when my knee is better, I’ll come back and have a game’ and he was laughing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I said I was being serious, and if you want me to come ad do a bit, I’d love to.”

Aspinall insists it wouldn't be just a publicity stunt, having played the game during his formative years in the north west.

“I played a bit of rugby myself,” he explained. “I’ve never played union, only league. I really enjoy rugby.

“I love fighting. Fighting is my thing. Anything physical, I enjoy it. I’ve been involved in rugby a little bit myself.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I still make time to watch it and I enjoy it. I’m a big supporter of any contact sport where you’ve got to put your body and your mind on the line.

”I like that kind of stuff, and I’d gladly have a game.

"I guarantee if I get the ball and I run at someone full blast, they’re not going to stop me.

"If I get a ball and I’m running at a rugby player who doesn’t know the stuff I know about grappling, I guarantee they won’t get me to the floor.”