Young Gun - The Rugby Paper

Young Guns – Ollie Davies

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:59:03 +0000

Ollie Davies’s journey into rugby has always been rooted in the North West and is now part of the Sale Sharks senior setup and learning his trade under the watchful eye of George Ford. The 19-year-old fly-half is emerging as a bright prospect in English rugby, having already made two U20s Six Nations appearances at […]

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Young Guns – Jess Taylor

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 02:59:14 +0000

England U18s back row Jess Taylor recalls earning a pound from her father every time she tackled hard enough to make a boy cry at Huntingdon RFC. Now, 13 years later, that same hunger is driving the 18-year-old standout forward towards the top of the women’s game. Taylor told The Rugby Paper: “I started out […]

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Young Guns – Joy Okechukwu

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 02:59:16 +0000

Joy Okechukwu only began playing rugby three years ago but has already shown enough progress with Harlequins for her to be called up to the England U18 squad. The back row forward has swiftly risen through the ranks, and central to her development has been the guidance of former England international Rachael Burford, whose influence […]

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Young Guns: Asa Stewart-Harris

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:59:06 +0000

Boyhood supporter Asa Stewart-Harris is already making waves at Saracens, with a sharp pass, a keen rugby brain, and a love for playing at pace. The 18-year-old former full-back turned scrum-half has risen quickly through the Sarries ranks, and now the teenager has his sights firmly set on England U20 honours. A product of Saracens’ […]

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Young Guns – Sam Winters

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:59:07 +0000

Sam Winters is on a mission to break into the Bath senior squad and earn a spot in next year’s U20 Six Nations and World Cup squads. The 18-year-old England age-grade full-back is a product of Harrow School, whose alumni includes current Lions captain Maro Itoje, and hopes to make his mark in the Premiership […]

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Young Guns – Max Knight

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:59:06 +0000

Gloucester tyro centre Max Knight feels Hartpury University’s BUCS Super Rugby triumph rewarded the squad’s unrivalled dedication. Knight appeared in four different competitions this season as the 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, appearing in the Championship and BSR with Hartpury, while also making his Premiership Cup and Challenge Cup bows for Gloucester. Hartpury finished their […]

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Young Guns – Luke Griffiths

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 02:59:14 +0000

England U19s second row Luke Griffiths’ professional rugby career started with a bold LinkedIn message and a leap of faith to France. The 18-year-old started his rugby at Farnham RFC but now trains alongside England centurion Courtney Lawes at French ProD2 side Brive. Griffiths made his England age-grade debut against Japan U19s last month and […]

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Young Guns – Jack Lightbown

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 02:59:06 +0000

Jack Lightbown’s journey into rugby didn’t begin with a thunderous tackle or try-saving turnover. It started on a rainy day at a deserted football pitch in Bolton – an anti-climactic beginning that steered the teenager toward a sport that would soon become his calling. Having once looked set to play the round ball game, the […]

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Young Guns – George Knowles

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 02:59:00 +0000

Gloucester hooker George Knowles is one of the brightest young front rowers coming through the England age-grade system – and he’s taken the long road to get there. Knowles, 18, came through the ranks at Ledbury RFC, the England U18s No.2 had a brief spell at Newham, then returned for Colts before making a name […]

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OSCAR TALBOT

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 02:58:53 +0000

YOUNG GUNS LEICESTER & ENGLAND U18 FLY-HALF Oscar Talbot says it’s a privilege to wear the England 10 shirt at U18 level and hopes to follow in the footsteps of the great fly-halves who have gone before him. The Leicester Tigers playmaker describes his playing style as in between the predominantly game-managing Owen Farrell and […]

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DECLANTREACEY

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 25 May 2025 02:59:04 +0000

YOUNG GUNS BATH & ENGLAND U18 CENTRE England seniors have endured a lack of inside centres putting their hands up for selection, but one option rising through the pathways is Bath’s Declan Treacey. The 18-year-old, who is the younger brother of recent Under-18s captain Connor, grew up idolising Manu Tuilagi, hoping to replicate the 60-cap […]

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HUGHSHIELDS

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 18 May 2025 02:58:39 +0000

YOUNG GUNS NORTHAMPTON FLY-HALF Northampton Saints academy fly-half Hugh Shields has followed the career of Fin Smith closely and hopes to replicate the rapid rise to Test stardom the England 10 has enjoyed. Shields represented England U18s at their unbeaten Six Nations Festival earlier this year after helping his Northampton side win the Premiership Academy […]

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JAMES PATER

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 04 May 2025 02:59:07 +0000

YOUNG GUNS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS FULL-BACK Northampton flyer James Pater went viral across rugby’s social media when he scored a breakaway try during England U18s’ statement victory over France last month. The full-back profited from a kick from inside England’s half, with Pater on hand to outpace the entire French defence and dot down for a […]

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Young Guns – Will Knight

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 02:58:44 +0000

Gloucester & England U18 Centre By Ben Jaycock Gloucester-born Will Knight is enjoying following in the footsteps of his family members to proudly represent the Cherry and Whites. Knight, 18, is the younger brother of Gloucester centre Max and cousin of prop Ciaran. The fellow centre, who captained England U18s in the 71-5 thrashing of […]

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Young Guns – Rhys Beeckmans

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 02:58:31 +0000

By Ben Jaycock Rhys Beeckmans is feeling confident and relaxed in Newcastle Falcons’ setup as he targets further first-team action. The 19-year-old centre, who has just transitioned from full-back, made his first team debut in January in a Challenge Cup match at the Ospreys. Beeckmans can play inside or outside centre with equal ability but […]

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TYLEROFFIAH

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 02:58:30 +0000

YOUNG GUNS BATH & ENGLAND U20 WING RUGBY has always been a massive part of Tyler Offiah’s life given he’s the son of a rugby league legend. Offiah’s father, Martin, made more than 400 top-flight league appearances and represented England and Great Britain before moving back to union with spells at Bedford and Wasps. The […]

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Young Guns – Oscar Berkerleg

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 02:58:41 +0000

YOUNG GUNS EXETER & ENGLAND U20 LOCK Energetic lock Oscar Berkerleg credits his father and brother for setting the necessary standards to get him where he is today. The 19-year-old England U20s and Exeter Chiefs second row grew up idolising his father, Ben, and older brother, Harvey, following in their footsteps to play for local […]

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Young Guns – Isaac Keller

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:58:24 +0000

NEWCASTLE FALCONS PROP Isaac Keller has a checklist of achievements he wants to make in the game over the next 12 months. Germany-born Keller, 19, was part of England U20s’ Six Nations squad after transitioning through the U18s system. The Newcastle prop toured South Africa and played in the U18s Six Nations last season but […]

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Young Guns – Kepu Tuipulotu

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:58:33 +0000

Young Guns - England U20 & Bath hooker Kepu Tuipulotu could have played for Wales, Tonga or England but committed himself to the Red Rose and hopes to take advantage of Steve Borthwick’s ageing hookers. The 5ft 9ins, 18st 1lbs Bath forward has rugby in his blood – his father Sione won 29 caps for […]

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Young Guns – Jos Gilmore

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 03:58:42 +0000

By Ben Jaycock Jos Gilmore has enjoyed imitating Sale Sharks’ opposition during midweek training but is now desperate for first team opportunities of his own. The 19-year-old blindside flanker has had a breakthrough year in Sale’s Premiership Cup campaign making four appearances and scoring a try against Doncaster Knights. He has also made the step […]

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Young Guns – George Pearson

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 03:58:32 +0000

Tigers back three player George Pearson made his England U20s bow by scoring a try in last week’s win over Scotland. Pearson, the younger brother of Coventry and Germany prop Henry Pearson, has nailed his colours to the England mast, hoping to feature in this summer’s World Championship as Mark Mapletoft’s side bid for back-to-back […]

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Young Guns – Josh Mann

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 03:59:00 +0000

Beefy prop Josh Mann is using Asher Opoku-Fordjour’s rise to Test level as an inspiration for his own journey inside the England pathway having joined Mark Mapletoft’s England U20s group after progressing with flying colours through the U18s. At 5ft 11ins and just shy of 20 stone, Exeter loosehead Mann packs a punch and is […]

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Young Guns – Noah Caluori

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 03:58:39 +0000

YOUNG GUNS SARACENS & ENGLAND U20 WING Noah Caluori’s try for England U18s sent the teenage sensation viral last year and he hopes to continue crossing for wonder scores in 2025. During England’s summer tour of South Africa, the Saracens flyer evaded the tackle attempts of numerous Ireland defenders and battled his way to the […]

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Young Guns – Bath Winger Charlie Griffin

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 03:58:35 +0000

By Conor McLarnon Up-and-coming Bath winger Charlie Griffin hopes to replicate the playing style of senior international Freddie Steward in a bid to establish himself as a first-team player for both club and country. Griffin, who stands at 6 ft 4inch, made six appearances for England U18 and featured in England U20s’ 19-3 win over […]

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Young Guns – Ralph McEachran

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 03:58:37 +0000

By Dan Robertshaw Sale Sharks academy prop Ralph McEachran is hoping to follow in the footsteps of young loosehead Asher Opoku-Fordjour and establish himself as a first team regular. The 19-year-old made his debut for England U20 on Thursday, emulating the style of his Sale clubmate perfectly with a dynamic 70-minute performance. Although he acknowledges […]

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CAMPBELL RIDL

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 03:58:31 +0000

YOUNG GUNS EXETER CENTRE/WING Campbell Ridl credits Exeter Chiefs for allowing players to balance university studies comfortably alongside their rugby. The centre-cum-wing, who spent his childhood in South Africa, joined Exeter in 2023 when he began his studies at Exeter University and quickly adapted to life in the south west. His standout performances for the […]

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REGGIEHAMMICK

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 03:58:19 +0000

YOUNG GUNS SARACENS FLANKER A brasive back row Reggie Hammick has joined Mark Mapletoft’s England U20s set-up aiming to make his mark on the side as they look to back up a successful 2024 which saw a historic Six Nations and World Championship double. It’s largely a new group going into the 2025 campaign and […]

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Young Guns – Micky Rewcastle

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 03:58:39 +0000

By Ben Jaycock Local lad Micky Rewcastle is enjoying a breakthrough season at Newcastle, determined to help keep his side in the top flight. The 20-year-old prop made his debut last season in the Premiership Cup against Sale but has made nine appearances across all competitions this term including a cameo from the bench in […]

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Young Guns – Will Glister

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 03:59:08 +0000

By Ben Jaycock Having overcome the demise of his beloved boyhood club Wasps, Will Glister has blossomed at Northampton and looks set to attack 2025 with high-flying England U20s. The 19-year-old physical winger at 6ft 2inch and just shy of 15 stone, has played for three teams this season across the Premiership Cup and Championship. […]

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Young Guns – Chester Owen, Coventry

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 03:59:00 +0000

Chester Owen, Coventry Back Rower Chester Owen bounced back from his release by boyhood club Leicester Tigers, starring for Coventry this season and the back row is now targeting a return to the Premiership. Owen, who just turned 21 last month, has broken into the Coventry first team this season making seven appearances for the […]

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ISRAEL AKINROWO

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:58:27 +0000

YOUNG GUNS EXETER CHIEFS CENTRE Proud West Countryman Israel Akinrowo fell in love with rugby at Devonport Services where he blossomed alongside his best friend – inside man Leighton Stark. The 18-yearold Exeter Chiefs centre has an athletics background shown in his powerful but agile carries. Akinrowo is out on loan at National One club […]

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ISRAEL AKINROWO

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:58:27 +0000

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ISRAEL AKINROWO

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:58:27 +0000

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JACKKINDER

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 03:58:24 +0000

YOUNG GUNS LEICESTER TIGERS WINGER Having transitioned from football, Jack Kinder immediately fell in love with the physical nature of rugby, as well as its discipline.The physical 6ft 2ins, 14 stone plus Leicester winger, who started as a tighthead, used to play centre back in football but grew frustrated that he couldn’t utilise his power. […]

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OSCAR WILSON

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 03:58:38 +0000

YOUNG GUNS SARACENS CENTRE Oscar Wilson hopes to make it onto Mark Mapletoft’s radar this season and then make the transition from U20s to England A. Saracens centre Wilson, 19, is yet to play international age-grade rugby but feels 2025 could be the perfect chance to shine in Mapletoft’s reigning Six Nations and World Championship […]

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Young Guns – Max Clein

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 02:58:20 +0000

Young Guns Max Clein is enjoying learning from his childhood hero Sean Cronin at Munster and hopes to emulate the Ireland legend’s career. Cronin won 72 Ireland caps, scoring six tries between 2009-19 and made over 250 appearances across spells at Munster, Connacht and Leinster. The former hooker is now Munster’s provincial talent coach, working […]

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JONNOBALDING

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 02:58:16 +0000

YOUNG GUNS GLOUCESTER & ENGLAND U18 LOCK England U18s second row Jonno Balding is hoping performances for Radley College can impress his club Gloucester enough to earn a senior academy contract. Balding was part of the England U18s summer tour of South Africa – his second age-grade tour having been involved in England’s unbeaten Six […]

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DYLANHICKS

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 02:58:14 +0000

YOUNG GUNS MUNSTER & IRELAND U20 FLY-HALF Tyro Munster fly-half Dylan Hicks is hoping to continue progressing through Ireland’s successful age-grade system and would love to make the step up to the U20s after making his age-grade bow earlier this year against France for the U19s. Ireland U20s have enjoyed great success in recent years, […]

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Young Guns – Tom Dye

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 02:58:26 +0000

YOUNG GUNS NORTHAMPTON & ENGLAND U18 PROP Tom Dye has the rare ability to play both sides of the scrum and sees scrummaging as by far a prop’s most important job. The Northampton Academy forward, who is most likely going to operate as a tight-head once he reaches senior level, was part of England U18s […]

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Young Guns – Fraser Rawlins

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 02:58:29 +0000

Young Guns Fraser Rawlins burst onto the scene during the England U18s tour to South Africa, scoring a brace of tries in the fightback victory over Georgia. The Saracens versatile back, who is comfortable playing across the backline but predominantly plays outside centre or wing, is a clear standout in Jonathan Pendlebury’s group with his […]

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Young Guns – Harlequins’ Felix Champain

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 02:58:34 +0000

Young Guns Felix Champain felt his trip to South Africa last month with England U18s was a great indication in what it takes to go far in the sport. The Harlequins centre/fly-half was part of Jonathan Pendlebury’s squad that toured South Africa for games against Ireland, Georgia and their hosts after making his international age-grade […]

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PATRICK HOGG

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 02:58:41 +0000

YOUNG GUNS NEWCASTLE & ENGLAND U18 FORWARD England U18s captain Patrick Hogg is using his time at Newcastle Falcons to pick the brains of club skipper, No.8 Callum Chick. Hogg led England U18s for the first time against Scotland this year in the Six Nations and went on tour to South Africa last month for […]

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ELLIOTWILLIAMS HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 LOCK

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 02:59:08 +0000

YOUNG GUNS England U18s enforcer Elliot Williams is hoping to reach the heights of beefy senior lock George Martin after playing his part on the tour of South Africa last month. Williams made his England age-grade debut in Parma, Italy back in April against Wales in a thrilling 36-35 victory that was settled with fly-half […]

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Young Guns – Ben Coen

Ben Jaycock — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 02:59:12 +0000

Young Guns - England u20 fly-half Ben Coen, by Ben Jaycock Ben Coen has enjoyed an incredible season that saw him go from a bench warmer in BUCS Super Rugby to England U20s’ number one fly-half in their World Championship winning campaign. The 19-year-old remains an unattached academy player despite profiting from Exeter University’s dual […]

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ARTHUR GREEN

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 02:59:18 +0000

YOUNG GUNS BATH & ENGLAND U20 NO.8 Arthur Green hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and one day win a full England cap. The bruising No.8, 20, enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bath coming off the bench to make his first team debut in the Premiership Cup at home to London Scottish and made […]

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JUNIOR KPOKU

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 02:59:27 +0000

YOUNG GUNS RACING 92 & ENGLAND U20 LOCK Junior Kpoku is learning from some of the biggest stars in rugby at Racing 92 and during England’s successful U20s World Championship campaign, it showed. Despite being just 18, the titan second row was a standout player for the World Cup winners with Kpoku playing in every […]

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CRAIG WRIGHT

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 02:59:13 +0000

YOUNG GUNS NORTHAMPTON & ENGLAND U20 HOOKER Having concluded his time in the England U20s setup with a World Championship medal, Craig Wright is now focused on becoming Northampton Saints’ first choice hooker. Wright, 20, starred in all five of England’s victories in the showpiece tournament and also started the first three in their Six […]

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HARVEY CUCKSON

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 02:59:25 +0000

YOUNG GUNS Bath & England u20 second row Harvey Cuckson thought long and hard about whether to represent England or Wales in his age-grade rugby but is certain he made the right call in pulling on the Red Rose. The 20-year-old second row grew up in north Wales but began his academy rugby at Worcester […]

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CHARLIE MYALL

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 02:59:22 +0000

YOUNG GUNS LEICESTER & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE Charlie Myall has put his injury woes behind him and is on a mission to inflict bone-crunching tackles on his opponents. The England U20s and Leicester Tigers inside centre missed this year’s Six Nations, in which Mark Mapletoft’s side finished as title winners, due to a grade two […]

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TOM BRIGG

The Rugby Paper Team — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 02:59:10 +0000

YOUNG GUNS ULSTER & IRELAND U20 BACK ROW Tom Brigg is determined to put his injury woes behind him by making his mark at the U20s World Championship with Ireland. Brigg, 19, was born to English parents and grew up idolising England players like Manu Tuilagi rather than those in green but despite qualifying for the […]

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