Young Gun: Joe Marchant – Harlequins and England U18s centre
Aside from his obvious rugby talents, the former Harlequins U18s captain is also a black belt in Wada Ryu Karate, represented Hampshire in the discus, shot-putt and hammer and was an English Schools finalist in gymnastics. In the little spare time he had left, Marchant was also a lifeguard at the River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester.
But back on the pitch, the youngster, who turned 18 last month, grabbed the headlines last week with a man-of-the round display at Franklin’s Gardens, helping Quins reach the Premiership 7s Series finals at The Stoop on Friday.
Unfortunately, their campaign ended in the semi-finals against the Dragons and, to make matters worse for Marchant, he was disallowed a try for knocking on over the line.
But wearing the brand new first team shirt with the crowd roaring him and his teammates on will live long in his memory.
“I was very sporty as a child. I’m just glad my parents let me try my hands at anything and everything,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“I’ve stopped gymnastics and karate in my last year at school but I still throw the discus here and there. I’m fully committed to rugby now though.
“I have played in a lot of positions across the backline, even at hooker and flanker, but I’m the happiest at centre and a bit of fly-half so I think I’ll soon settle for one of the two positions in the near future.
“It was amazing to run out at The Stoop in the brand new kit. The crowd was just amazing.
“It was disappointing to lose in the semi-finals however, especially as I was certain to have put the ball down but that’s how it is is suppose.”
Coming through the ranks at Winchester RFC, Marchant was picked up by Harlequins before the start of last season and went on to captain the U18s side while making a try-scoring debut for England in March.
Despite being only 17 then, he was quick to impress the senior coaches and he was called up to play in the A-league for the first team.
This season Marchant is hoping for more of the same and maybe even the LV=Cup, but completing his A-levels remains his priority.
“I’m leaving today for South Africa with England U18s which is going to be an awesome experience. It’ll be a great way to kick off the season.
“But I’ll still go to College. I retook my first year to do Btec sport from A-Levels so I will be part-time at Quins this season but hope to go full-time next. I could have quit school but getting top grades to further my education is important to me.
“I started playing for the U7s at Winchester all the way to the Colts and then joined the Academy at Quins as well as playing for Peter Symonds College and Hampshire,” he added.
“Last year was my best season so far where I was captain of both my College and Quins. I also played all six A-League games last season which was good and even scored four tries.
“Regarding rugby, I’d like to get more game time in the A-League and maybe even play in the LV=Cup.”
