Young Gun: George Catchpole – Leicester back
The 19-year-old watched Ben and Tom Youngs, like him alumni from the Norfolk club, strutting their stuff Down Under in the historic Lions series win.
It was a timely shot in the arm for Catchpole after a season of injury torment last term threatened his progression at Welford Road.
The former Fritton and St Olaves pupil suffered a mystery thigh injury eventually diagnosed as a hernia in March – surgery folllowed in May. It sidelined him for another eight weeks, but it was just a relief to the versatile back to have the problem cleared up.
And after making the step up from the Tigers academy this season, and training with the Youngs brothers, it’s allowed Catchpole to make a fresh start.
“It’s just been great to be back fit and free of the niggling injuries, the groin has been a big issue since last summer,” said Catchpole, who signed for the Tigers as a 16-year-old.
“Now it’s great to be around the first-team guys, they are all approachable and as a centre I really look up to someone like Manu Tuilagi, even though he’s only a couple of years older than me. Obviously Ben and Tom are both Norfolk lads like me and are an inspiration.
“I was in pre-season getting fit while they were playing for the Lions, but I watched them and now to be mixing with them is great.”
The path from Norfolk to Leicester is well-trodden and Catchpole had no qualms in leaving home and changing school to realise a lifelong ambition to play for the Tigers.
“Being in Norfolk there’s no real affinity with a local club, that’s why a lot of people follow Leicester,” added Catchpole, who attended Leicester GS. “My family are big Tigers fans and watch me as much as they can.
“It was tough at first, but Tigers are one of the few clubs that allow you to move at a young age and put you up in digs with a family. The rugby side of things was fine, but going to school and the long days were hard – after training and studying it would be 7.30pm.”
Now the books have been put down Catchpole intends to learn his trade on loan at Championship side Nottingham.
“It’s good, especially as a back, to be put up against bigger guys and get used to that side of the game,” continued Catchpole. “I’ll also be back playing in A-League games, which is part of my development over the next season.”
Catchpole, who has represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U19 level, will also get the chance at U20 level, and he’s already got his eyes on the Six Nations next term.
“There’s a few camps, starting on Tuesday (September 17) at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, and it’s all gearing up to the Six Nations.
“I love representing my country, and I can’t wait to do it again, particularly after last year when I struggled to keep fit for the U19s.”
