Armitage brother quietly makes code-switch

The lesser-known Guy Armitage has quietly gone about the business of switching codes to Rugby League.

After stints at Wasps, London Irish, London Scottish and London Welsh, Jersey Reds and Ealing Trailfinders, the second youngest of the Armitage brothers rugby dynasty is looking to kick start a career in the thirteen man code at Doncaster Rugby League.

The 26-year-old debuted in a loss against Newcastle Thunder and according to the Rugby Paper, the 6’5, 111kg centre proved a safe pair of hands.

A former England U20s rep, Armitage will be looking to make the most of his career after false starts at both Jersey and Ealing Trailfinders, who released him at the end of last season.

Guy Armitage is the second youngest of five Armitage brothers – all involved in rugby, including most famously England internationals Delon and Steffon, as well as fellow centre Bevon, who is attached to Brixham RFC; and the youngest – tighthead prop Joel.

The decision by former England and Northampton Saints centre Luther Burrell to switch to Super League’s Warrington Wolves grabbed headlines earlier this year – not least as moves from union to league remain rare.

Elsewhere, another lesser known member of a rugby dynasty also made an unorthodox move. Brian Tuilagi, the brother of Freddie Tuilagi Jnr and nephew of Manu Tuilagi, has moved to Italian rugby.

The former Leicester Tigers, Saracens and Newcastle Falcons backrow has left Dax in Federale 1 in France for a move to the Italian Top League side Il Mogliano.

The 6’3, 120kg backrow will be looking to impress in the semi-pro ranks of Italian rugby, and could potentially get picked up by either Zebre or Benetton Treviso in PRO14.

Brother Freddie Tuilagi Jnr – another 120kg backrow (who converted from the frontrow)- was released by Leicester Tigers at the end of the season and is currently unattached.