A JUNIOR rugby player has become a hit on social media - after he took an unlikely starring role at last night’s Saints versus Huddersfield match.

Pilkington Recs under 7s player Riley Gauchwin and team-mates were holding a giant Saints flag on the pitch ahead of kick off.

But as the little players ran from the pitch - pulling the flag with them - Riley, who was at the back of the pack, slipped.

But the plucky youngster wasn’t going to lose his grip - and proudly stuck to his task of keeping hold of the flag.

And as he clung on, he was dragged along the pitch.

The determined rugby ace appeared to enjoy himself as the crowds in the West Stand laughed and cheered.

His mum Leanne Gauchwin filmed her son’s ‘slide’ and shared the footage on Facebook, which has since had a huge response.

Leanne said: “Pilkington Recs carried the Saints flag but obviously Riley fell, the West Stand was all cheering and clapping for him!

“The response on Facebook rugby pages has been brilliant.”