How was the Six Nations?

Good! It’s my second season with England U20 and it helps to know what to expect with the standard of rugby.

What’s been your best rugby moment to date? 

Last year’s Junior World Cup win. The victory was great, but while we were away we also became close and grew as a team.

How did you get into playing rugby?

My uncle took me down to Berwick RFC when I was seven years old. I loved it immediately – I was never going to be good at football!

Always played tighthead?

Yes. I like the fact that you’re not able to back down. It’s always a big battle in the scrum and
you have to front up.

Toughest opponents?

The Wales front row is very good. They’ve got a solid scrum and we felt that when we played
them a few weeks ago.

Played any other sports?

I used to throw the hammer. I started one summer aged 14 to take my mind off rugby, and ended up throwing for Scotland Schools. I won a gold medal! I qualify for England at rugby because my mum was born in Berwick.

Who are your rugby idols?

I always looked up to Carl Hayman and Euan Murray at Newcastle. They’re both great players, and are performing well.

RW verdict: The 20-year-old prop could plug a hole left by Dan Cole in England’s squad in years to come.

This hotshot was first published in the May edition of Rugby World. Click here to see what’s in the current edition of the mag!