We gather you were born in Germany?
Yes, my mum is German and my dad is English. We lived there until I was about one.

When did you take up rugby?
When I was seven, with Doncaster minis. I stayed there until I was 15. As soon as there were props, I started at tighthead and that’s where I’ve been ever since. I love the scrums.

Did you play other sports?
I did a lot of athletics – shot put, hammer and discus. But rugby was always my number one. I like the team work and camaraderie with the lads; you can’t get that in any other sport.

When did Leeds (now Yorkshire Carnegie) pick you up?
At U15 level. Jack Walker and I joined about the same time. We were in sixth form together at Prince Henry’s in Otley, but he was a year younger than me.

You made 18 starts in the Greene King IPA Championship last season. Has that helped bring your game on?
Definitely. Before that I was playing at Otley on loan but the Championship is a more serious level of physicality.

Why have you chosen to join Northampton Saints now?
Quite a few clubs were interested in me but Northampton was the standout choice. I am happy to get cracking with pre-season.

How was the World Rugby U20 Championship?
Fantastic. The pace of the rugby was much faster than at last year’s tournament. Playing in an England jersey is always a privilege.

Was the semi-final against South Africa your best game for England?
It was up there as one of my best in terms of the set-piece stuff.

Is your next aim to play for England Saxons?
You said it!

RW Verdict: This powerful 6ft 2in prop starred for England as they marched to the World Rugby U20 Championship final. Now watch out for him in his first Aviva Premiership season with Northampton Saints.

First published in the August 2015 edition of Rugby World magazine.