Nathan McAvoy

Career

Born and brought up in Weaste, Salford, McAvoy's first professional contract was given to him by Salford. He joined Salford in 1994 from Eccles ARL, where he played alongside Adrian Morley, Ian Watson (rugby league) and Carlo Napolitano. He made 118 appearances for the City Reds, scoring 75 tries during his five-year stint at the club.

Representative

In 1994, McAvoy played for Great Britain under-21's against Australia.

McAvoy won caps for England while at Salford in 1996 against Wales, and while at Bradford Bulls in 1999 against France, and France (sub).

During his time at Salford, McAvoy was given the captaincy of the Great Britain Academy squad when they toured in New Zealand. He was also selected in the England squad for the 1996 European Championship, and made his début against Wales before being named in the squad for the 2000 World Cup.

1998–2003

Super League giants Bradford Bulls signed Nathan in 1998. McAvoy played for Bradford Bulls from the interchange bench in the 1999 Super League Grand Final which was lost to St. Helens. During his time at Bradford he lifted the Rugby League Challenge Cup and the Grand Final in which he scored a spectacular try against bitter rivals Leeds Rhinos in 2000 which is remembered fondly by fans.

2003–2004

Nathan left Bradford and decided it was time for a new challenge and changed codes to play rugby union for Saracens during the 2003–04 season. His rugby union career was frustrating with an early injury causing loss of form and only made a handful of appearances before joining Salford again mid-2004.

2006

He joined Leeds Rhinos in January 2006 and made his début in the Tetleys Festive Challenge at Headingley against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and scored a try in a 46 – 18 win

It was announced on 28 April 2006 that Nathan had joined Wigan Warriors on a months loan. A day later it was announced that Leeds Rhinos had released Nathan from his contract.

2007

Nathan was awarded with a 1-year contract at the JJB Stadium this season after successfully helping the Wigan club survive relegation last season.

It was announced 2 February 2007 that Nathan was not offered a contract with Wigan and will be returning to Bradford for the 2007 season taking the squad number 2.

In August 2007 it was announced that Nathan would be released at the end of 2007.

2008 – 2011

In December 2007, it was announced that Nathan had signed a part-time contract to play with Leigh Centurions for the 2008 season.

In the 2008 season, McAvoy suffered a shattered kneecap and broken neck. Although he fully recovered he subsequently decided to retire from professional sport and complete his studies at Salford University where he gained a 2:1 in Sport Science & Management in 2009 (dissertation – Salary Caps in Sport).

He then went on to train as a teacher and in 2010 became a PE teacher at Manchester Academy.

Nathan currently resides on the RFL disciplinary board.