by Mark Spriggs

Created on: September 16, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

Tom's legs would not keep still; the twitching of his thighs was distracting and only seems to stop for a second if he jumped two footed on the spot

Calm down son, it's only the first of many times you'll do this and when you touch the grass it'll steady you

The calm authority of the deep, northern voice brought an instant response, a sense of certainty and security crept over his soul. The butterflies in his belly did not cease nor had the rhythmic movement of his legs in preparation for his flight or fight as the adrenalin coursed through his young body.

The light was somewhat dim in the corridor leading out to the playing field and like nothing Tom had encountered.

72 hours previous he had met the England manager in the lounge of the hotel he was staying in with his parents; it seemed that the England squad was occupying the top three floors of the luxurious facility while they prepared for their first of two Tests against the World Champions. Tom had barely spluttered out a greeting when he was invited to sit down and asked if he would like to join the team for some training sessions over the next few days while they prepared. A significant squad member of the England U18 side Tom Fordacre was a conundrum to his coaches and mentors, at 17 he was 6'2 and over 16 stones, he was not blessed with great acceleration but once going his speed was considerable and over a pitch length he could compete with anyone in the squad, yet his reactions and vision allowed him an extra split second to identify gaps or opportunities in both defence and attack that regularly got tries or snuffed out rival teams chances. The question with his strength and size was where to play him, the issue for many including his school and club instructors was his hands and boot were endowed with more luck than a 4 leaf clover or a leprechaun.

Well what do you think? Will you do some training with us, it'll do you good and give the lads a bit of the unknown to deal with.. so is that a yes or no, or are you catching flies? The substantial grin across Barry Jones' face belied his usually gruff exterior but Tom's mouth slammed shut with a click of teeth as he regained his usual composure.

Yes please sir, I would love to take part, just tell me when and where? the with a quick realisation of where he was, would you mind if I checked with my parents?

Not a problem son, I've already spoken with them when I saw you were here, 7.30 am on the coach outside, I've already sorted some kit out for

• 1
• 2
• 3
• ...
• 7
• Next Page >>