Back
James Skelton
Scrum Half8
Appearances
8
Points scored
800WonDrawnLost
Player sponsor
Biography
Few players embody what it means to be part of Selby RUFC quite like Jamie Skelton. A true club stalwart, Skello first pulled on a Selby shirt at the age of five and has represented the club at every level — from U7s right through to the 1st XV.Having captained the 2XV to a league-winning season last year, Jamie has carried that momentum into this campaign, where the team remains unbeaten so far. His calm leadership, rugby intelligence, and trademark sense of humour have been at the heart of that success.
Jamie’s rugby story began back in 1999, when he joined Selby’s minis and quickly developed a love for the game. He’s played almost every position over the years — starting in the front row, moving through back row and scrum-half, before settling into his current home at fly-half. That versatility says it all about his understanding of the game.
Ask him about his favourite memories from junior rugby, and he doesn’t hesitate: the team tours — Holland, Ayr, Keswick and Blackpool — all feature heavily. “Too many good ones to pick,” he laughs, “but they were always a good laugh.”
Matchday rituals are simple but classic for Skello: a Saturday morning trip to Dawson’s butchers in Brayton for a sarni before heading to the club. His favourite Selby moment? No surprise there — lifting the league trophy as 2XV captain last season.
Growing up, Jamie looked up to Jonny Wilkinson, and it shows in his game management and kicking precision. When it comes to teammates, Ed Blackwell gets his nod as favourite to play alongside — “because he’s just good at rugby.”
He’s received plenty of advice over the years, but one line has stuck: “Move out of the front row — you’re too small.” Wise words, given how well he’s adapted since!
If he could swap places with anyone in the squad for a day, it’d be James Dugher, purely to “find out what’s really going on in his head.” He’s happy to dodge Jamie Dentith in tackle drills, prefers shepherd’s pie after training, and if karaoke calls, it’s “Country Roads” every time.
Around the club, Skello’s known for his sharp wit — and perhaps his patience, given he reckons Dugher takes longest to get ready post-match. He’d happily trust Sam Broughton to organise a night out (but not Jack Todd), and while Kirky controls the playlist, Jamie thinks that’s “probably a mistake.”
He jokes that Joe Styrin already believes he’s a coach, but reckons Joey Reid would survive longest if the squad were stranded on a desert island.
When asked what he loves most about Selby RUFC, there’s no hesitation: “Thursday Club.” It’s a simple answer that says a lot — about camaraderie, laughter, and the togetherness that runs right through the club.
Jamie credits Jay Robinson, both coach and teammate, as a huge influence on his rugby journey, and if he could go back and give his younger self a word of advice, it would be: “Fingerless rugby gloves weren’t a good look.”
Described by his teammates as “The Green Goblin”, Skello’s advice for younger players is spot on:
“Work hard for your teammates and enjoy it.”
And what does being part of Selby RUFC mean to him?
“Everything.”
Squad
Other players
Team Sponsors
