Some superheroes wear rugby shirts
It was a remarkable senior rugby debut for a fantastic 17-year-old, Tiernan Ingham, as he came off the bench as No 8 for Scarborough 1XV recently.
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It’s a memorable milestone for most but for Tiernan it marked a triumphant high point in a journey of resilience and determination. Tiernan's story is one of courage, strength, and the unwavering support of the rugby community. Aged 13, Tiernan was diagnosed with leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, setting him on a challenging path of chemotherapy treatments spanning three and a half years.
Despite the life-threatening illness and gruelling treatments, he had his sights set on a return to rugby and, after completing chemotherapy in April 2023, he returned this season playing for Scarborough Colts. Making his senior rugby debut in a fiercely contested Yorkshire Cup Semi Final against Driffield RUFC who play in Regional 1 North East, Tiernan came off the bench for the last 15 minutes, seamlessly slotting in at No 8 and making a significant impact with his forceful defence and relentless work rate.
His performance earned him accolades from both home and away supporters, with many away spectators asking who the young Scarborough player was, not knowing of the journey he had recently completed.
Reflecting on Tiernan's debut, Scarborough RUFC 1st Coach Matty Jones expressed the emotional significance of this unforgettable moment.
"The club has been part of the journey which Tiernan has been on for the past four years. To see him take to the field and play was emotional for everyone. He didn't shy away and made about ten tackles in the space of three minutes."
Tiernan's connection with rugby runs deep, as he has been part of the Scarborough rugby family since the age of four. His father, Nick Ingham, who is the Director of Rugby at Scarborough, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support they received from the rugby community throughout Tiernan's battle with cancer:
"Rugby really is a special family, isn't it? We can't thank our club enough for what they have done for Tiernan. From diagnosis through to today, he's been supported along the way with acts of kindness and the type of friendship that you would rarely find outside of a rugby club. To have come back from cancer and make his 1st XV debut as a forward at 17 is something special and epitomises Tiernan's strength of character and determination."
Tiernan is no stranger to Touchline having previously featured in February 2022 when he was invited down to Twickenham by the RFU and British Airways. He and his dad experienced a matchday experience from pitch side.
Tiernan's journey has inspired countless individuals within and beyond the rugby community, demonstrating the power of resilience, camaraderie, and overcoming adversity.
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