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Jamie Dentith
Hooker1
Try
7
Appearances
5
Points scored
403WonDrawnLost
Previous clubs
Durham City, Auckland, NZ, Too many North East Clubs!Biography
Position: Front Row / “Desperation 6”Started playing: Age 15
Jamie Dentith — or JD as most know him — began his rugby journey with Durham City, playing County Rugby from U16s through to U20s before taking his boots halfway across the world to New Zealand. A season in Auckland broadened his game and his horizons, and after returning home, he spent time with “far too many clubs across the North East” before finally finding his home on Sandhill Lane.
His favourite junior memory still brings a grin: the Colts tour to Amsterdam — “a bold move from the club,” he laughs. Nowadays, match prep is more considered: “Pasta the night before, a dog walk in the morning and getting to the club early to stretch off — now I’m in my 30s, stretching is no longer optional!”
JD’s standout Selby moment? Beating Bridlington at home to secure promotion, with his young son there to see it. That, he says, was a proud day both as a player and a dad.
Growing up, he idolised Martin Johnson, and among teammates he gives special mention to Tom Edwards — “nobody that little should’ve been able to hit that hard.” Best advice from a coach? “Don’t get bogged down in the details — just outwork and outplay your opposite man.”
He admits he’d swap places with Q for a day (“reasons I won’t disclose”) and would prefer not to be partnered in tackle drills with Ash P, whose “dangerous disregard for his own safety” is enough to make anyone nervous.
His ideal post-training feed? Fajitas — every day.
Karaoke choice? Piano Man.
Biggest joker? Joey Reid.
Longest to get ready? Webbo — has to dry his hair.
When it comes to organising a night out, JD’s putting his faith in Max — “the man for the job” — and keeping James Bramley well away from the clipboard. The changing room playlist is in Liam’s hands — “and you try telling him otherwise.”
He rates Jay Robinson as a coach-in-the-making and reckons Max would survive longest on a desert island — “he’s got some weird knowledge in that head of his.”
What JD loves most about Selby RUFC?
“It made me fall in love with rugby again. The club has a brilliant culture and produces great players — and even better people.”
He credits Colts coach Paul Baty for giving him confidence and pushing him to fulfil his potential, and if he could speak to his younger self, he’d say:
“Rugby’s going to give you big challenges, but you’ll meet the best people along the way. Stick with it — and make sure you always hit harder than you got hit.”
How would the lads describe him? “Front Row Wizard.”
His advice for the younger players? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.”
And what does being part of Selby mean to him?
“Selby RUFC is one of the few clubs that can genuinely say it’s a family. That sums up what’s so special about this place. I’ve not found a culture like it anywhere — and ten retirements later, I’m still playing for this badge. I love it.” ❤️??
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