When did you start playing rugby?
At Bedford Junior Blues when I was five. From the age of 18 I was training with the Saracens Senior Academy but still playing for Bedford.

Did you play other sports?
I played county cricket as an opening bowler, county athletics at 200m and golf. At 15 I had to make the decision about which one to continue with and rugby was the one I enjoyed the most.

Have you played in different positions?
I played at fly-half until about 16, then I was advised to move to full-back. I can play wing too.

You’ve done a bit of goalkicking…
When there are long-distance kicks I tend to get thrown the ball. I have always been able to hit it quite a long way. I practise a lot because I want to be a good option for any kick.

Who has had a big influence on you?
My dad Rick. Also Alan Brown, who was my teacher at Biddenham Upper School, Mike Rayer at Bedford and now Don Barrell at Saracens.

When did you first play for England age groups?
I played England Clubs at 17 or 18, then for England Schools U18 and then the U20s. I played the majority of my rugby for England U20 last season because I was out for six months with a series of groin injuries.

What are your aims for the new season?
Now there’s no more age-group stuff it’s about going back to my club, progressing through the ranks and trying to get as much game time in a Saracens shirt as I can.

RW Verdict: This 6ft 3in back started all five games as England reached the final of this year’s (2015) World Rugby U20 Championship, having helped them win the title in 2014. He should thrive in the senior game.

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