Young Gun: Taylor Prell – Yorkshire Carnegie full-back
The 19-year-old lives with hooker Jack Walker who has been the U20s starting hooker for the past two years while establishing himself as a key member of the Leeds squad in the Championship.
The duo also coach the Leeds University women’s team and Prell reveals his roommate has a big influence on him.
“Although we’re the same age, Jack has got a lot of experience and he’s had a big influence on me,” he told The Rugby Paper. “We live together and he’s always helped to keep me going.
“Representing England U20s this season is a big target for me. There’s a couple of camps before the Six Nations so hopefully I can do well enough to earn a place in the squad.
“There’s the World Cup in Manchester next summer, too, and that’s a big goal of mine. It’s my last year at junior level so it’d be great to play in front of my family and friends.
“Matt Protheroe from Gloucester and Sam Aspland-Robinson from Quins are both a year younger but they’re putting a lot of pressure on me for that No.15 shirt. I’ll have to play well when I get the chance to make sure I’m in the squad next summer.”
Prell first picked up a rugby ball at Wharfedale aged six and stayed at the club until Carnegie picked him up at U18s level.
He went on to represent England in the FIRA Championship, but two years ago he was able to put on the Wharfedale’s first XV alongside brother Josh.
He said: “I was dual-registered with Wharfedale two years ago and it was nice to return there and play for the first team with some familiar faces.
“It also gave me the chance to play alongside my older brother for the first time at senior level. It was a proud moment for the family even if he wasn’t impressed with me. I could have passed the ball to him for a try but I took it for myself!
“I’m not dual-registered this season so the B&I Cup, with two more games before Christmas, is my best shot to put my hand up for selection.
“It was nice to get involved in the Cup. It gave me an opportunity to show the coaches what I could do as I push for more league appearances.
“Bryan Redpath has a lot of experience at the top level and he’s always keen to share his knowledge with the youngsters at the club.
“I played against London Scottish earlier this season and I started against London Welsh yesterday against London Welsh.
“Things are going great right now but I’d like to get five more league games before the end of the
season.”
