Exclusive: Theo Fages, the Frenchman at heart of Salford’s youth revolution

The name of Theo Fages may not mean much to many rugby league fans currently. The player is yet to become a regular feature on Salford City Reds’ first team sheet.

But the young Frenchman, signed last year from Pia Donkeys, is being tipped as a player with a massive future ahead of him. A half-back, he could be the fulcrum of a French rugby league flowering in the years to come.

Certainly, his club coach Phil Veivers believes that the 17-year-old could, if he continues to work hard, be a big part of Salford’s future.

“He was brought to our attention last season. He played in our Under-18s last year and did really well, so we signed him up,” the coach explained.

“His major issue was obviously the speaking of the English, and he’s improving on that.

“And his game’s coming on no end.”

The player himself has a realistic attitude to his burgeoning career, and is settling into life in England well, with him being housed with Forever Reds’ Chairperson Shirley Bradshaw and her family. Code13 caught up with him at Salford’s new stadium recently.

So, Theo, how are you finding life in England since joining Salford last summer?

It was hard at the start, but the players here really welcomed me. I’m with a very good family as I live with ‘Madame Shirley’, and everything is going very well there.

I’ve been well integrated into the group at the club. At 16 years old, it’s bit difficult making friends, but it will get better.

What positions do you prefer to play in? How is the international career panning out?

I’m a scrum half. I’ve never played hooker before, but I can play there as well. I’ve played for France U-16s, and I was in the U-18 squad last year as well, but I injured my ankle just before the game against Australia.

I want to play next time. If they ask me I’m ready. It’s an honour to play for France.

Which players do you look up to? Anyone in France?

At Salford, I look up to ‘DJ’ [Daniel Holdsworth] and Matty Smith in the first team. I look at how they play and learn from them. ‘Longy’ [Sean Long] is the coach, and it’s nice to speak to him and learn from him. He teaches me, and he’s an experienced player, so it’s good to listen and learn from him.

I watch the first team players play, and I train with them and try to do what they do. I don’t know that many French players actually. I only really watch Super League.

What are your ambitions for the next couple of seasons with Salford?

The first team is a possibility soon, but I don’t think I’ll get the chance this year. For next year, it’s a goal I’m giving myself after working hard. Within a couple of years I hope to have played a match in Super League.