ELLIOTWILLIAMS HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 LOCK
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 James Linegar’s last gasp kick and the tyro second row describes it as the proudest achievement in his short rugby career to date.
The Harlequins second row told The Rugby Paper: “I’d have to say getting my first cap against Wales in the Six Nations a few months ago. My family were out there as well, so I’m really proud to have got that achievement while also securing a win. I feel very honoured to represent my country. It’s always great to be able to come into camp and develop yourself more as a player.
“I enjoy coming in and seeing the boys that I don’t get a chance to see very often, while also getting better every time. As a group, we’ve really gelled on the pitch.”
Mark Mapletoft‘s England U20s completed the Six Nations and World Championship double this year which has inspired the likes of Williams in the U18s to make the step up and create history of their own in the next couple of years.
He said: “All of us want to be in their shoes in a few years going out to the junior World Cup. It’s a big motivating factor to go out and do well now, so we can be able to compete in that in a few years while representing England.”
Williams was introduced to the sport by his father aged four at their local club London Irish Amateurs to get him out of the house and exercising. He played on the wing until a growth spurt at 11 saw him move to the second row. He now idolises the current England lock pairing of Maro Itoje and Martin.
“Ever since I started watching rugby Maro has been right up there playing for England,” said Williams. “More recently George Martin is a big inspiration, someone I try to base my game off. I’m similar to Martin as I like to hit anything that moves. Hopefully, I can get to his level soon.
“My lineout is strong, as well as my carrying which gives me front foot dominance in collisions. In defence, I’d like to get really dominant in my tackles like Martin through chasing my feet, so I don’t get run over. That’s what I’m working on most right now.”
Williams has enjoyed his time at Harlequins so far within the club’s academy. Back row James Chisholm has dropped down to help out the juniors, providing crucial wisdom.
“I’ve been there for four years now, only in the past year I’ve been training regularly but it’s been good,” said Williams. “All the coaching staff are really helpful and have helped me get better by giving me good opportunities. We don’t have much contact with the professional players but James Chisholm comes in and does work with the academy, especially around mauls and setup, as well as tackling and general defensive work. He’s been very helpful for the whole team.
“I’m hoping to get selected for the Six Nations next year but I’d like to do as well as we can in the academy league with Harlequins. We’ve got a good group, so we’ll see how far we can go there.”
