Young Gun: Sam Aspland-Robinson – Harlequins wing

International duties made it hard for Sam Aspland-Robinson to settle at Harlequins this summer but, after only a few weeks of constant training, the winger is showing why he was snapped up by Conor O’Shea.
After leaving Wellington College, the 18-year-old linked up full time with Quins academy but quickly went away in early August as England U18s toured South Africa.
He had only a couple of weeks back before flying off to Samoa for the Youth Commonwealth Games where England finished fourth in the Sevens tournament.
But for the past four weeks, he has been able to focus on club rugby and he’s already enjoying the benefit.
Last week he was man of the match in a try-scoring display for loan club Worthing.
“I found it hard to settle in at Quins because I haven’t had much time at the club,” he said. “But I’m starting to now and already seeing progress.
“I’ve hit the gym hard for the past few weeks and I feel a lot better for it. I haven’t put on weight as such but I’ve reduced my body fat and put on a bit of muscle. It’s showing in the mirror but most importantly my running times are getting quicker.
“I’m working very hard on my kicking game and positioning in defence because there’s a lot more kicking at this level compared to school level where you run the ball from pretty much anywhere.
“I’m playing for Worthing and I’ve had a few starts for them. It’s a nice step up and I’m getting up to speed with the men’s game.”
Aspland-Robinson started playing rugby in Hemel Hempstead but became serious about the sport at Caldicot School.
Five years ago it went to another level at Wellington College. Last season he won the Rosslyn Park Sevens for the second time as well as the Daily Mail Trophy.
His performance earned him eight England U18s caps and he has now set his sights on the U20s. He said: “I’m a year young so I don’t put too much pressure on myself but it’d be great to get involved.
“Playing for Quins’ first team would be brilliant, too, but I know I’ve got a long way to go. I’ll keep my head down, stay fit, play well for Worthing and the U20s, if picked, and see how things go.
“The club have put a lot of faith in me with a two-year deal. That takes some of the pressure away this year and I can focus purely on my rugby.”