Jack Welsby extends Saints contract until 2027

St.Helens R.F.C. is delighted to announce that one of the best and most sought-after rugby league players in the world, Jack Welsby, will remain with the Club until at least the end of the 2027 season.

A proud product of the Saints Academy, 'Super Jack' has established himself as one of the brightest talents in the Betfred Super League and a star on the international stage too. 

As has been widely reported, many NRL clubs have expressed interest in the Red V's full-back, but the 22-year-old has brought an end to any speculation regarding his future by further committing to St.Helens with two more years added onto his existing contract, which now runs until the end of 2027. 

The news of Welsby's contract extension is one of the biggest retentions in recent memory and fantastic news not only for St.Helens but for the competition of Super League by keeping one of its biggest and best stars for at least the next four seasons playing in the northern hemisphere.

Welsby has already earned an incredible amount of silverware at the Saints with; three Super League titles, two League Leaders' Shields, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge on his record, all before even reaching his 23rd birthday. 

To date for the Saints Welsby has made 117 appearances; scoring 54 tries and 3 drop goals for a total of 219 points. The England international has been named in Super League's Dream Team on three occasions in the last three successive seasons and has been on the three-man shortlist for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel Award in the last two campaigns too. 

Welsby has proved himself to be a pivotal member of the St.Helens squad, highlighted this season in the Club's seismic World Club Challenge win over Penrith Panthers. The Saints' number #1 scored a try, set up another, and was deservedly named the Player of the Match in that historic victory.

'Super Jack' finished this year by becoming the youngest-ever England captain, leading the national side to a series victory over Tonga, playing every minute of the three-match Test series whitewash.

Speaking about further cementing his future with St.Helens, Jack Welsby told saintsrlfc.com: "I am over the moon glad it?s done with now and I can get my head into Pre-Season and the New Year. It was a decision I had to make and I'm glad that I've made the decision that I have, and I'm going to be around all my best mates and a really good club. 

"Everyone at St Helens expects to win trophies, whether it's the fans, the players, the coaches, or the backroom staff. Everyone's expecting for you to go out and win at a weekend and then win on the big night at Old Trafford. That sort of expectation, it's hard sometimes, but it's what I want, I want that pressure and that's where I feel like I play my best rugby." 

The extension of 'Super Jack' continuing to play in the Betfred Super League is a huge coup for the competition, and Welsby himself reaffirms it will bring the best out of him.

 "The NRL's a massive competition and everyone sees it as that, but I believe that Super League can be that and we've just got to work towards it. Sometimes the speculation that comes with the NRL and stuff is not just as simple as going to sign at a different club, it's a lot of things. It's on the other side of the world, it's tough and the timing's got to be right - it's got to be perfect. But for me, it was always going to be St Helens."

With so many achievements already in his Saints scrapbook of accolades, it is a clear goal for the next four years for Jack Welsby.

"Win. I want to win things again. I think last year was a massive disappointment and the way it ended for Robes (James Roby) and Louie (McCarthy-Scarsbrook), two of the greatest players this Club has ever seen, was a horrible feeling and I don't want to feel it again. So, we have got to sort of pick ourselves up, work hard this Pre-Season and find the results."

The news of the Saints' number #1 staying with the Club until at least the end of 2027 will be well received by our supporters and in a direct message to our fans Welsby said: "Thank you. We were a bit disappointed last year, but we want to bring silverware back to this town and you have got to get behind the boys. We enjoy having you here, we love playing on Friday nights and Saturday evenings or whatever it is, as long as there?s a packed house at the Totally Wicked Stadium it doesn't get much better."

Head Coach Paul Wellens is thrilled about Welsby committing his future to the Club, stating: "This is excellent news for the Club, and something we have always prided ourselves on at Saints is bringing through young players into our team with our Academy systems and Jack has done that to go on to be one of the best players in the competition. 

"It?s harder in the current climate to keep your best players, but it is something that Saints has had real success with. Jack now becomes the latest of a long line of players who have committed their long-term futures here.

"He is an absolute pleasure to work with, that is why everyone involved at St.Helens is so delighted he has chosen to commit his future with us for the next four years. For a 22-year old he's mature beyond his years and a real leader within our group despite being so young."

Chairman of St.Helens R.F.C. Eamonn McManus commented on the fantastic news and said: "This is the perfect Christmas present to all Saints' supporters.

"Jack is a generational talent and it's hard to comprehend what he has already achieved at the age of 22. Committing long-term to St Helens is a massive boost to us now and going forward.

"Jack is in a position to become one of the Club's all-time greats and we know that he will be a key component and driving force in our future success."