Former England hooker Jack Singleton has signed a short-term contract with Glasgow Warriors. The 30-year-old joins the Scottish side 13 months after suffering a cardiac event during a training session, marking his return to the professional game.
The move provides essential cover for the Glasgow squad during the upcoming Nations Championship and Six Nations windows. The club expects several of their regular hookers to be absent due to international commitments throughout the season.
Glasgow hookers Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen are likely to be called up for Scotland duty. Their potential involvement in matches throughout November, February, and March necessitated the recruitment of additional front-row support for the reigning champions.
Singleton’s return to the sport follows a challenging period of recovery. He underwent medical procedures involving stents and balloons to address a previously undiagnosed hereditary condition affecting his arteries, which was discovered following his sudden health scare.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the player admitted that retirement felt like a genuine possibility. He noted that the thought of never playing professional rugby again definitely crossed his mind during the difficult months of his recovery process.
The hooker explained that his condition is now managed through medication and medical intervention. He stated that he is in a much safer position today than he was 16 months ago while he was still actively playing.
Since May, the forward has been participating in full running sessions to build his fitness. While he is eager to return to action, he remains cautious about a specific date for his competitive comeback to the pitch.
Regarding his current physical status, Singleton said he is looking forward to getting stuck into training. He acknowledged that he is not yet fully match-fit but remains committed to the process of regaining his top form.
The player expressed his enthusiasm for joining the United Rugby Championship title holders. He noted that it is a massive privilege to be part of the current Glasgow squad and is keen to contribute to the team.
Singleton recalled watching Glasgow’s recent European campaigns from the sidelines. He specifically highlighted the atmosphere during their match against Toulouse as a memorable example of the club's recent success and the high standard of their play.
When asked about his immediate readiness to play, he joked that he would be willing to take the field this weekend if required. However, he admitted he might not give a great account of himself just yet.
The 30-year-old is Scottish-qualified through his grandparents, though his focus remains entirely on his club integration. He stated he is prioritising training before looking further ahead at potential future opportunities or international selection possibilities.
Singleton brings significant experience to the Glasgow pack. His career includes a six-year stint at Gloucester, where he made 75 appearances and scored 20 tries for the Premiership side, establishing himself as a reliable front-row operator.
Prior to his time at Gloucester, the hooker represented both Worcester and Saracens. His professional journey has seen him compete at the highest levels of English club rugby for several years, gaining valuable experience in domestic competitions.
On the international stage, Singleton earned four caps for England. His last appearance for the national team came in 2022, and he was part of the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Most recently, the forward spent the 2023-24 season on loan with the French club Toulon. This move provided him with experience in the Top 14 before his current transition to Scotland to join the Warriors.
The Glasgow Warriors coaching staff will monitor his progress closely during the coming weeks. His integration into the team environment is viewed as a key step in his return to professional competition after his lengthy absence.
The club has not set a firm deadline for his first appearance in a match. The primary objective remains ensuring the player is fully prepared for the physical demands of top-tier rugby union after his health procedures.
Glasgow Warriors continue their preparations for the upcoming season with the addition of Singleton. The team aims to maintain their competitive edge in the United Rugby Championship despite the upcoming international player absences during the season.
The rugby community has welcomed the news of Singleton’s return to the sport. His journey highlights the importance of medical screening and the resilience required to overcome significant health challenges to return to the professional game.
Join the conversation