David Doherty (rugby union)

David Doherty (born 28 January 1987 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England) is an English former rugby union footballer who played as a fullback or on the wing, and could also operate in the centres. He played for Yorkshire Carnegie, Wasps, Sale Sharks and Cornish Pirates.

Rugby union career
Doherty was a former rugby league junior with Leeds Rhinos, but decided to pursue a career in the 15 a-side code. He made his debut with Leeds Tykes in May 2004, aged 17 years and 95 days, making him the youngest player in Premiership history. He joined Wasps after Leeds Tykes were relegated from the 2005-06 Guinness Premiership.

In May 2008, it was announced that Doherty would be joining Sale Sharks on a two-year contract. His contract was not renewed by Sale and in June 2010 he was released. In October 2010, it was announced that he had signed for National League 2 South team Jersey. Doherty made the perfect start to his Jersey career, scoring a try on his debut.

On 21 April 2011, it was announced that Doherty would be joining RFU Championship side the Cornish Pirates at the end of the 2010-11 RFU Championship. He finished the season as top try scorer for the Cornish Pirates with 14 in 24 Championship appearances and in 2012–13 will play for Yorkshire Carnegie.

After not being offered a new contract in 2016, Doherty became director of rugby at Harrogate. He stepped down in 2022.