When did you first play rugby?
When I was about five. My mum’s work colleague said I should go along to Wymondham RFC. I didn’t enjoy it too much to start with but I got into it. I stayed there until I went to Wymondham College when I was 14 and just did schools rugby after that.

Have you played in different positions?
I was fly-half until I was 14 or 15. My coach at Wymondham College, Roger Morgan, said I would be a lot more useful in the back row. Seven is now my fixed position.

How did you get involved with Leicester Tigers?
They spotted me in the Norfolk Player Development Programme. I joined their academy at 16 and went to Queen Elizabeth College in Leicester to do my A levels.

And when did you first play representative rugby?
For England U18 last year.

Who’s had a big influence on you?
Brett Deacon at Leicester has helped me with my turnovers and tackling.

You didn’t play in the U20 Six Nations in 2016…
I was disappointed not to make the squad, but I put a massive emphasis on improving my game and I played for Leicester around that time.

Was Premiership rugby a big step up?
It was a massive shock. It is such a fast pace but it gave me the confidence that I could mix it with international players in there.

You must be pleased with how the U20 World Championship went…
It was a pleasure to be involved and I really enjoyed it. We played some outstanding rugby.

What are your aims for 2016-17?
To play more Premiership rugby, work harder, and get fitter and stronger.

RW Verdict: This teenage openside stepped into the Leicester team in the spring of 2016 and thrived, then he was named in the U20 World Cup Dream Team having been a key player in England’s triumph. He has a big career ahead of him.

First published in the August 2016 edition of Rugby World magazine.