The Premiership Rugby 7s Series is a sizzling summer spectacle and
this year's Pool C showing at Franklins Gardens was no different.
With the famous 'Friday night lights' making a killer come back, the
crowd were super charged throughout the evening, as both the hungry
Harlequins and nifty Northampton Saints secured their place in the
finals.
Friday
night's performance served in cementing my inkling that the
Premiership Rugby 7s Series is the perfect springboard for future
stars, as it has consistently nurtured some remarkable players over
the years.
One
prime example is Harlequins hooker, Dave Ward. What a fantastic year
he's had. He captained his 7s side back in 2013 and subsequently went
on to showcase a stunning season at the Stoop, catching the eye of
Stuart Lancaster and earning himself an England call-up ... and he's
not the only one - Charlie Walker, Jamie Elliot, Tom Collins and Tom
Stephenson - are just a few more to mention who've added their own
brand of sparkle to the Premiership.
But
I want to take this opportunity to focus on Scotland U20 and
Northampton Saints Academy player, Rory Hutchinson.
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| Rory Hutchinson - Photo by Claire Jones, Red Hat Photography |
On
hearing Rory had been selected to start, making his debut at
Franklins Gardens on Friday night, I remembered back to his days at
Great Shelford Rugby Club ... a club that I too used to play for; one
with such heart and sense of community, so I was always inclined to
watch the men's game on a Saturday.
The
first time I saw Rory play for Shelford, I remember asking a mutual
friend, “Who's playing fly-half, he's seriously good?”... “That
would be Mr Hutchinson!” Was the response I received. And Rory
Hutchinson is a name that's stuck. And I had the privilege of
talking to Rory after the Northampton Saints stormed to a 31-14
victory over the Wasps on Friday night.
We
chatted about what this experience means to him and what he feels,
running out to a crowd of 11,027 at Franklins Gardens;
“It's
a massive honour to be able to play for Northampton.”
“To
come out here and play with the people that you train with, it's just
a great environment.”
And
it's clear on the pitch that his relationship with Harry Mallinder is
solid. Those essential foundations which are important in any team,
especially in the last ten minutes of a game when you're blowing and
trying to spur each other on;
“I
guess Harry and I are very direct ... there's a natural connection
together, we seem to play well, we communicate very well ... it's
great to learn from him”
I
remember one Sunday in particular, I was walking to play on the top
pitch and Rory was there. Bearing in mind he'd had a game the day
before - but he was still intent on practising his kicking. His
dedication to the game and ability is unquestionable.
He's
mature and grounded, and at 18, even modest with it!
When
I asked him, “Can we expect more to come from you?” His reply
was humbling;
“We'll
have to see but I'll just keep my head down, keep trying hard and see
what happens.”
Looking
at Rory's journey and how he's developed and grown, should enable
other potential stars of the future - playing at school, club or
academy level - to set personal targets, and become recognised.
Rory’s
journey proves what a perfect platform the Premiership 7s Series is.
Well
done Rory, good luck for the future and keep up the hard work!
#Peacocks