Northampton swoop to sign England U20s fly-half

By BEN JAYCOCK

Northampton have signed England U20s fly-half George Makepeace-Cubitt.

Having endured the hardship of London Irish folding, the tyro playmaker showed grit and determination after dropping into National One and is now set for a returned to the Premiership with table-topping Saints.

The 20-year-old has been plying his trade in the third tier with Rams, whom he helped guide to second, narrowly missing out on the title to Chinnor.

Makepeace-Cubitt also played a key part in England U20s Six Nations triumph this year and hopes to be on the plane to South Africa for the forthcoming World Championship in July.

The Reading-born No.10 is delighted to be back in the Premiership after a season away and hopes to make his first professional appearance as soon as possible next term.

He told The Rugby Paper: “It's an unreal opportunity after the devastation of what happened with Irish. To get the chance to come back into the Premiership after only a year out is a huge opportunity because I know a lot of other boys from Irish who are still playing semi-pro or at university, unable to find a way back in.

“I don't think there's a better club to be involved in than Saints at the minute, you look at how they're playing and the amount of youth coming through. I felt comfortable when I came in, I really enjoy how they go about their business in the week.

“Getting game time for Saints in anything will be great, I'll definitely be targeting the Premiership Cup.”

Makepeace-Cubitt operated at both 10 and 15 last season for club and country but says Northampton have opted to shift his main focus to fly-half, with the option of playing fullback if required.

“It's a transition period of playing both last season to now mainly being a 10 that can play fullback as well,” he said. “There's been conversations around the work-on's in that decision with more responsibilities when it comes to communicating with other players and a completely different skill-set to what you have when playing full-back in terms of place kicking, restarts, kicking to touch. They are confident I can make that change and be a fly-half.”

Star: Makepeace-Cubitt is joining Saints

Competition in the 10 shirt at Saints is high with England's Fin Smith leading the way, while full-back George Furbank has filled in at points this season. Alongside Makepeace-Cubbit's signing, Northampton have also signed 23-year-old fly-half Charlie Savala on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell from Edinburgh.

Makepeace-Cubbit added: “Fin is probably the most in form English flyhalf in the league, Furbs is second choice and is up there with the great 10's in the league when he plays there. Charlie is a good player as well, so there's healthy competition. I'll have to bide my time but when that opportunity comes hopefully I can take it.”

England A provided a useful stepping stone from U20s to the first team this season with recent graduates Fin Baxter, Tarek Haffar and Greg Fisilau starring for the reformed team in the 91-5 victory over Portugal in February.

Makepeace-Cubbit would love to be involved in the side in the near future and has put his hand up for selection after his time with the U20s ends after this summer's World Championship.

He said: “It's great that the A team has come back. A lot of people can go from U20s and face a long time before they play for England, so it's a stepping stone which is massive for development. It would be great to be involved in that in the future. If you're in that team you're doing the right things, standing out in the Premiership.”