Young Gun: Lucas Slowik – Bristol and England U18s centre

Bristol‘s Lucas Slowik is no stranger to setbacks but having already taken his place in the record books, the 18-year-old is becoming well versed in overcoming obstacles.
Born with just ten per cent sight in his left eye, Slowik has gone on to forge a rugby career with Bristol, signing his first professional contract earlier this month.
Currently competing in his second European U18 Championships – the bulldozing centre is clearly highly thought of in the West Country and aged 17 and 268 days, he became Bristol’s youngest player in the professional era, scoring a try on debut in the B&I Cup against Gala.
His current international commitments are all the more special for Slowik; it’s the first time he’s been to Poland, the country of his grandfather’s birth.
Having been picked a year early for the U18s last season, he was knocked cold in England‘s first match against Portugal and did not feature again.
A year on however, he played his part in England’s thumping 64-5 win over Portugal last Friday to get their campaign off to a flyer, and Slowik is determined to help the Red Rose make it three in a row.
“We’re really set on winning it again, we feel like we need to make a statement by defending the title,” he told TRP.
“Last year was unfortunate, I was concussed in the first game and couldn’t play again so it would be nice to play a part this year.
“It’s a great bunch of lads again and it’s a competitive squad. We look at the success of the seniors and the U20s and we want to keep that going.
“Last year gave me a taste of what it’s all about. You learn a great deal from being part of the squad.”
That Slowik was selected for the Championship aged 17 is impressive enough; but bearing in mind a double fracture and dislocation to his left ankle aged 15, it was quite the feat.
After bouncing back and impressing for Filton College, he caught the attention of Bristol where he joined elder brother Auguy – a mazy full-back – establishing himself under Andy Robinson.
“It’s going great at Bristol, with my brother there it helps a lot in terms of easing me into the surroundings and feeling at home,” he added.
“He inspires me by the way he has progressed and the manner in which he goes about his rugby.
“I’ve got a few appearances this season, and in the British & Irish Cup, and the aim is to try and get as many as possible.
“Bristol are doing really well in the Championship and there’s a real feeling that it’s a club that are going places, you only have to look at the all the signings that they have made for next season.
“It’s been a dream come true to get onto the pitch as much as I have this season and the goal is to keep that going next year.
“It’s only a start though, the hard work starts here to keep progressing.”
Slowik talks about his setbacks with a matter-of-fact honesty and it’s the same when it comes to his style of play.
Once a full-back and then a flanker, Slowik is now settled as a centre.
“I’m a pretty straightforward player,” he added. “I think I’m a strong runner with the ball, I like contact and don’t overcomplicate things – that’s what I think I’m good at.
“I’ve moved around a fair bit but I want to stay at centre – this is where I belong.”