Fletcher Spicer: From Colts 3 to Wests Bulldogs Hospital Cup captain

Who is the former Div 3 Colts 3 fill-in player who came from oblivion to now captain Queensland Premier Rugby’s No.1 side? Revealed here.

Last year's Hospital Cup premiers, the West Bulldogs. Pic: Brendan Hertel/QRU Media.

He has been appointed captain of the StoreLocal Hospital Cup reigning premiers, and by his own admission, Fletcher Spicer is something of a hustler on a rugby mission.

The Brisbane-born outside centre was a late bloomer on the rugby union scene, but now at age 22, the fleet footed No.13 is more than ready to steer the ship as skipper for the Western Bulldogs.

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He wasted no time making an impression, rising from third division colts rugby in 2018, to make his Premier Grade debut in 2020, before assuming the leadership duties off last year’s captains Latu Talakai and Alec Evans Medallist Connor Anderson in time for round 1 of the season this Saturday.

Fletcher Spicer of the Wests Bulldogs.

After Anderson and Talakai delivered the Bulldogs their first premiership in 16 years last season, Spicer said he’s excited for the opportunity, despite the big shoes to fill.

“Kind of leading on from the likes of Connor and Latu last year they are big shoes to fill especially considering the result. But I’m looking forward to it for sure,” he said.

Spicer graduated from Brisbane Bayside State College in 2017, a public school with no real pathways.

Indeed he has progressed through the ranks, the outside back a prime example of where hard work can take you.

Wallaby player Richard Brown with 10-year-old Easts Tigers Fletcher Spicer.

“I played for the Wynnum Bugs Colts 3 team,” he said.

“The Colts 3 team was pretty much all Iona College boys. Our skill wasn’t there but we played for each other. We ripped in against Brothers and University.

“We had to fight to get in too. We had to fight to get into the Brisbane competition.

“We played as Logan Brothers third team, so wherever they played we did. We didn’t have a home game all year.

“They put us in cause we wanted it so bad and we ended up wining it that year.”

After winning the Colts 3 competition with the Bugs in 2018, Spicer:

+ Played colts 1 for Wests in 2019.

+ Played Second grade in 2020, in the same year making his debut in First grade.

+ In 2021 he played a few more games in First grade.

+ In 2022 he played every game but two.

“It has been a journey,” he said.

“I want to play for the Reds. For sure.

“I think getting paid to play the sport you love is the ultimate goal. That’s definitely a dream of mine.

“I love the journey. It has been good. A lot of soul searching. I think i really want to do this.”

Connnor Anderson after breaking Wests' 16 year premiership drought with last year’s Grand Final win over University. Pic: Brendan Hertel/QRU Media.

With Anderson Queensland Reds signed and Talakai taking a step back from being the skipper, Spicer said he was ready for the challenge.

That challenge begins this Saturday when the boys from Sylvan road take on Bond University at Sci-Fleet Stadium.

“I am still leaning on Latu for support on and off the field. He’s still part of the leadership group. I lean on him the most.

“I love the culutre at Wests. For me it’s all I’ve known. Those coming in and out, having played different codes at different clubs, they speak so highly of it. They say the culture at Wests is something they miss.”