Young Gun: Huw Taylor – Worcester flanker

Injuries tried to slow him down, but Huw Taylor is determined to fulfil his dream of representing England U20s.
The Worcester forward was named in the squad ahead of last season but a broken leg sustained last November in training ruled him out of the Six Nations.
He missed out on the Junior World Cup in Italy, too, but, now in his last year at this level, he is hoping to right those wrongs – despite spending the start of the season on the sidelines again.
“My big target this season is to play for England U20s in the upcoming Six Nations and the World Cup in Manchester,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“I picked up a medial ligament injury in my knee at the start of the season but luckily I didn’t need an operation.
“I’ve been back for three games and things are going well so far. I was involved in two A-League games as well as making my European debut in the Challenge Cup game against Gloucester at Kingsholm.
“Last season was disappointing because my injury stopped me playing in the Six Nations and then I wasn’t picked for the World Cup. It’s my last chance this year so, hopefully, I’ll be able to play a part in this season. We have two more Challenge Cup games against Zebre and La Rochelle over the next couple of weeks so maybe I’ll get some more first-team game time there.”
Last season Taylor enjoyed his first bit of success with Worcester as they won the British & Irish Cup with the flanker playing in six of the nine games, including the final against Doncaster where he came off the bench.
The next step in his career would be to catch up with his old school teammate Max Stelling and play in a league game for the Warriors.
“I went to Old Swinford Hospital with Max and even if he is two years older than me we played together in the Daily Mail Cup final against Dulwich back in 2012. He’s kicked on since school and hopefully I can emulate him.
“The club showed a lot of confidence in me last summer offering a two-year deal. The Premiership has to be my next big goal but I’m not putting a time target on it as I know it might take a couple of seasons.
“I can play anywhere in the back five of the pack but my favourite positions are blindside or No.8. I enjoy the freedom you have in the back row where you have the ball in your hands more.
“I’m really enjoying training every day with the first team and especially with Phil Dowson or GJ van Velze. They have a lot of experience and they’ve been very helpful with my training.”