Alumni story

James Deighton

Performance analyst and lifelong rugby league fan shaping elite sport through data and dedication.

Degree

MSc in Sports Science (Performance Analysis)

Year of graduation

2016

Current occupation

First Team Performance Analyst, Hull KR

Bridging passion and profession to help lead Hull KR to historic victory

After graduating in 2014 with a First-Class Honours degree in Sports Coaching and Performance, James began his postgraduate journey with a placement at Hull City AFC. Alongside this, he completed an MSc in Sports Science (Performance Analysis) in 2016.

Following a year travelling and playing Rugby League in Australia, James returned to Hull City – this time not as an intern, but in a full-time role. After 18 months at the club, he was offered a First Team performance analyst position at Hull KR – the club he had supported, played for, and been involved with since the age of 15.

Now in his seventh season at Hull KR, James plays a key role in game strategy and preparation. His responsibilities include opposition gameplanning, running team meetings, filming training sessions with drones, and producing motivational highlights packages for players and coaches.

His contributions have helped fuel Hull KR’s resurgence on the field, with the club reaching three major finals in three years and securing a historic victory in the 2025 Challenge Cup – their first trophy in four decades.