Player Profiles - Dan Scarbrough


By Mally (updated 22/06/02)
December 14 2003

Dan Scarbrough

Nickname Scabs
Position Fullback / Centre
Date of Birth 16/02/78
Previous Club Wakefield
Height 6' 1"
Tykes Debut 02/09/01
Honours England
England 7s


Dan Scarbrough was the breakthrough player of the 2001/2 season. A player, who was virtually unknown at the start of the season Dan Scarbrough or "Scabs" as Phil Davies calls him, has become the season's second highest try scorer - an unbelievable achievement when you consider that Leeds Tykes finished at the bottom of the table. Dan signed for Tykes from Wakefield made his debut in the Tykes memorable first match of the 2001/02 season against Bath , which Tykes won 10-6. That day try scoring honours went to Cameron Mather, but it was just 3 games later when Dan opened his account, scoring his first Premiership try against Bristol. Although Bristol went on to win that game 34-29 Dan's try was to be the first of many which utilised his quick pace.

Pace, which was probably best demonstrated in December when Tykes played Quins. Scabs out ran Dan Luger to score, not just once but twice, much to the delight of the Headingley crowd. Dan Luger have may been the big name, the England international & British Lion, but ask any Tykes fan and they will tell you that Dan Scarbrough was the better winger that day.

The 2001/02 season was a memorable one for Scarbrough, finishing with 12 Zurich Premiership tries to his name, only Mark Cueto of Sale scored more. Despite having had offers from several other Premiership clubs Scabs re-signed for Tykes two months before the end of the season, telling the Yorkshire Evening Post that:

"...in the end I decided to stay at Headingley. I've always wanted to play for Leeds, I'm a Yorkshire man through and through and everything at the club is awesome."

The fans certainly appreciated his loyalty and his efforts, voting him their Player of the Year, he also picked up the Young Player of the Year Award for the 2001/02 season.

However Scarbrough's achievements do not end there, the season has seen him earn England A and England Sevens representative honours. Full international honours were on the cards, as he was called up to the England squad for the Barbarians match, and was under consideration for the tour to Argentina, however an injury meant he had to withdraw.

A player to watch, who is likely to be one of the stars of the 2002/03 season.

Last updated 01/10/03

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