The Greater Manchester rugby community has suffered a tragic blow as rising star Logan Holgate has sadly died at the age 18.
The talented young Cumbrian prospect had been playing for Hensingham Amateur Rugby League Football Club (ARLFC), but was on the under-18 pathway for Salford Red Devils.
He also helped guide the England Community Lions to victory in the under-19s European Championship in Italy in 2022, when the talented young team defeated France in the final.
The teen was due to join the Greater Manchester rugby league side’s reserves team this season but was sadly announced as having passed away on Wednesday, 12 January.
Everyone at Salford Red Devils are saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Logan Holgate.
Logan played for our U18s pathway alongside @hensingham_arl and was set to move up to the reserve team this season.
Dedications have been pouring in for the future Red Devil with the England Community Lions Programme paying tribute to “a brilliant young man and team mate” who always impressed with his “work ethic, infectious attitude and quick humour”.
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After breaking onto the scene in an impressive debut in the under 16s win over Wales at Colwyn Bay in 2021 – following in the footsteps of his brothers, Ellison and Fletcher, as all three siblings proudly represented their country – and it wasn’t long before he was fast-tracked for older age groups.
Even despite his tender age, many of those fortunate enough to play with him insisted he will leave “a lasting legacy”, as former teams including St Benedicts RUFC, Moor Row FC and more all paying tribute.
His former secondary school, St Benedict’s Catholic High, and even local environment and energy authority, Sellafield Ltd. (where he served as an apprentice), have issued emotional messages following the deeply saddening news.
They described him as a “popular… dedicated student who lived for his sport” and who always brought joy to his fellow classmates with his “amazing sense of humour”.
At present, the exact nature of his death is still unknown but some outlets are reporting that the suspected cause is cardiac arrest.
Writing on Facebook, his cousin Georgina Lily-anne Holgate said: “Our hearts are truely broken, and I don’t think they can ever be fixed… My childhood is one thing I’ll never forget we we’re surrounded by love and we all had the best bond”. As for his brother Fletcher, he simply wrote: “Love you bro”.
A GoFundMe page has been set to help Logan’s family during this difficult time, with nearly £20,000 already raised in contributions. You can donate HERE.
Our thoughts go out to his Logan Holgate’s family, friends and former teammates. Rest in peace.
Featured Image — GoFundMe/Salford Red Devils (via Twitter)
News
Sara Cox tipped to replace Scott Mills for Eurovision 2026
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s very own Sara Cox is reportedly set to replace Scott Mills at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following his sacking from the BBC.
Mills was axed by the news and entertainment corporation on Monday, 1 April, for ‘misconduct’, which has now been revealed to involve a historic relationship with a boy aged under 16.
While the fallout surrounding Scott Mills is only just beginning, the task of finding his replacement in multiple roles has already begun – though it looks like one may have already been decided.
Now reported by multiple outlets, it appears as though Bolton-born Sara Cox is first in line to pick up Mills’ co-hosting duties for this year’s Eurovision show.
Having already been involved with coverage of the event on multiple ocassions in the past, it now appears that she’ll be in post for the Grand Final too.
As a long-standing radio and TV staple, it only takes a quick look at social media to see how much backing she has already received in the past, with a post from last year reading, “Great to have Sara Cox back commentating on Eurovision“, and others from over a decade ago praising her past presenting.
In fact, it might not end just here either, as many are already calling for her to replace the 53-year-old breakfast show host.
From her days as a Radio 1 favourite to becoming a BBC mainstay across the board, her popularity only seems to have grown over the last decade, especially thanks to her charity fundraising efforts.
While an official announcement is yet to be made, the feeling is that it is all but confirmed for her to take over from Mills as part of the Eurovision commentary team.
As for the now vacant early morning slot on BBC Radio 2, the likes of Claudio Winkleman, Vernon Kay, fellow Manc Nick Grimshaw, the aforementioned Rylan, and several others have all been floated as potential stand-ins/future full-time hosts.
Do you think both should be given to Sara Cox, and if not, who would you like to see replace Scott Mills?
Millions of UK workers to get pay rises from today as National Living and Minimum Wage increases
Emily Sergeant
Millions of workers across the UK are set to begin receiving substantial pay rises from today.
After the Government announced back in November that it would take the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission, and increase both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, those changes have now come into force in a bid to ensure people on lower incomes are ‘properly rewarded’ for their work.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Low Pay Commission, it’s an independent body made up of employers, trade unions, and experts whose role is to advise the Government on the minimum wage.
As mentioned, the rate recommendations introduced today were agreed unanimously by the Commission.
This means that the living wage, for eligible workers who are aged 21 and over, has now risen by 4.1% from today to £12.71 an hour.
For a full-time worker, that means a pay increase of £900 a year.
Millions of workers in the UK are getting pay rises from today / Credit: John Kakuk (via Unsplash) | Pexels
The National Minimum Wage rate for workers aged 18 to 20-year-olds has also increased today by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour, and then for 16 to 17-year-olds, and those on apprenticeships, the rate has increased by 6% to £8 an hour.
“The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society,” commented Baroness Philippa Stroud, who is Chair of the Low Pay Commission.
“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year.
“The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.
Workers aged 21 and over are now legally entitled to the National Living Wage after the age threshold for the highest rate was lowered from 23 in 2024.
National Minimum Wage rates are available to workers aged 16 upwards.
Danny Jones -
12th January 2023 
