When did you first  play rugby?

I went along to Chipping Norton rugby club with a mate when I was about eight. Football was my first love but by the age of 11 or 12 I was in love with rugby. I played at Burford School and Cokethorpe, where I went for sixth form.

Do you prefer to play wing or centre?  

I was a centre through my age-group rugby, but when I was at Leicester my A League opportunities mostly came on the wing. I played on the wing for England U20 too.

Who influenced you as you came through?

Larry Cummins at Cokethorpe, Nick Walshe with England U20 and Tosh Askew at Leicester.

How did this year’s move from Leicester to Gloucester come about?

I was enjoying Leicester but I felt my opportunities were limited there because they have such strength in depth. I thought Gloucester would be better for me and I knew some of the players, like Elliott Stooke, who I now share a house with.

Did you expect to play so much first-team rugby this autumn?

It’s been a surprise. It’s a shame for Henry Trinder being out with a shoulder injury, but it opened up an opportunity for me. I am just working to get better every week.

RW verdict: This Junior World Cup winner has successfully stepped up to the senior game for Gloucester.

This Hotshot was published in the December 2014 edition of Rugby World. Click here to see what’s in the current edition of the mag.