When There’s a WILL There’s a way
“I’ll make something of this”
Will Addison was surrounded by hard work and determination from an early age, stemming from his farming background in rural Cumbria. Addison developed a keen interest in rugby encouraged by his older brother, father and two uncles, all who played at Upper Eden rugby club a team in the Eden Valley. Like many young rugby players Will began the grassroots rugby pathway aged four eager to join the rugby community.
Despite being in the Newcastle Falcons (now Newcastle Red Bulls) talent ID area, the Northwest was the start of Will’s big break. From five all the way to sixteen Will knew he was “one of the most committed” and that perseverance caught the eyes of Sale Sharks coaches visiting a summer rugby camp. It was then, with Sale’s interest, Will told himself “Okay, I’ll make something of this”
It was for the support of his very encouraging parents that 16-year-old Will was able to continue developing his rugby ability whilst still thriving academically. Many would find it difficult to juggle five or six rugby sessions a week over two teams along side completing A-levels but not Will. He even went as far to tell me; “it was easy from a rugby perspective,” purely because of his enjoyment of the game kept him motivated and willing to put all the time he could into his development. Balancing such a large commitment to rugby with education wasn’t an issue as attending the academically successful school, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, meant Will had high standards to meet. He told me that it was for his mum instilling a hard work ethic that he was able to be successful. He said, “she would not let me off without doing my studying,”
"It was a path I was one of the first to tread”
The pathway from grassroots to professional rugby wasn’t as developed as it is nowadays and back in 2008 when Will was trying to go from small town Cumbria to the top level he described it as “a path I was one of the first to tread.” It was tough having to go a “backwards route” But after scouts giving him a chance in the Sale Sharks academy Will thrived and made his professional debut at 18. Will told me that the pathway is more established now but in no way easier because of the huge amount of talent in the Northwest and finding a way to tunnel that top the top is difficult.
Being integrated into a professional environment at such a young age Will was able to develop not only as a player but as a person too, learning life skills that have followed him through his playing career and now into his coaching. As Sharks were the lowest spending team in the league the players learnt how important team culture was, especially being appointed team captain and having a responsibility to push that closeness. Will said Sale had achieved more by being a really tight unit. Now as a coach he knows the importance of pushing a united team, as the tighter knit the team the more successful they can be together.
“I understand the importance of having a really good team culture”
- Will Addison -
Will Addison playing for Sale Sharks CREDIT: Tim Williams
Will Addison playing for Sale Sharks CREDIT: Tim Williams
Will Addison got his career start in Manchester but growing up with a mother from Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, he always supported and dreamed of playing for Ireland. Growing up as a centre following Ireland Will had influences like Brian O’Driscoll who in Will’s words was, “the best player in the world at that time.” However, whilst having a successful career in England and many talks with coaches such as Eddie Jones and Steve Lancaster it was injury that distrusted Will’s chances of breaking into the England senior squad. These injuries didn’t dishearten him though as many would assume, but he took a positive approach to setbacks and injuries enhancing his resilience. If it weren’t for injury will would have made his move to Ireland in 2014 when first approached but the time wasn’t right until 2018 when he moved to Ulster.
Unfortunately, because of another run of serious injuries in the six years at Ulster, Will only had 44 appearances. In this time, he managed to display his talents across the back three positions as this move got Addison his international call up October 2018. The November Nations cup saw got Addison his first three Ireland caps before he sustained a serious back injury to which surgery was required. Addison managed two more Ireland games in a World Cup warm up in August 2019 and a summer series game in 2021 against USA to which Will ended his international career with an 80th minute conversion. Addison’s time as a player was threatened many times from injuries, the final nail in the coffin for his Irish career was breaking his leg just five games after his return from his last injury.
A short return to the club that put Will Addison on the map in 2025 Will decided that the commitment and strain he had to continuously put himself through didn’t equate to other life opportunities and took a step back from playing professional rugby. An impressive career was put to the side to make time to be the dad of a young family without the constant worry of another injury.
CREDIT:Rob Jones/LinkedIn
CREDIT:Rob Jones/LinkedIn
Will’s advanced knowledge of the game is still producing top quality rugby though his teaching, as he now takes on the role of head coach for Manchester Metropolitan Men’s performance squad. Addison said that through his time being a young captain at Sale Sharks he be came comfortable in a leadership role and after being coached by some of the worlds best rugby coaches, will felt qualified to be able to give people the advice they need to become the best player they can be. Trying to emulate the teachings of Andy Farrell, the best all round coach Addison played under, he wants to introduce an environment to the university set up where players are comfortable and wholeheartedly welcomed but challenged enough that they are encouraged to thrive.
Because is career was cut shorter than his potential showed will has lots of time ahead of his coaching as he aspires to get his current MMU side promoted into the BUCS super league, build up his coaching experience at high level and in the future we can hope to see Will Addison coaching in the premiership at the top level where he once thrived as a player.
