Young Gun: James Grayson- England U18s and Saints fly-half

James Grayson is only at the start of what he hopes will be a successful career but whatever happens the past week will be one he never forgets.
Last Wednesday, the Northampton fly-half scored 21 points to help England U18s beat Wales in Swansea to win the inaugural Five Nations festival.
This Wednesday, Grayson realised a childhood dream making his first senior appearance for Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, the very same ground his dad Paul graced during his glittering career.
Starting in the No.10 shirt, Grayson Jnr, 17, steered the Wanderers to a 24-10 win over the Army kicking two conversions as well as setting up a try with a brilliant pass between his legs.
“Playing for your country and winning the Five Nations is not something that happens very often,” he told The Rugby Paper. “It was my first time involved in the England set-up so I tried to cherish every moment.
“And then to play my first game at the Gardens was a childhood dream so it’s been a good week with lots of highs and emotion.
“The Army guys were big lads so it was a physical encounter but we stuck at it and got the win. I quickly learned you’ve got to go low on big players.
“I still tried to take the ball to the line in attack while making sure my passing game was accurate. Everything happens a lot quicker in senior rugby and you’ve got to process the same amount of information half a second quicker.
“I’ll finish the season while sitting my exams and then go into pre-season with Saints, having signed a full-time contract with them, before hopefully going on tour to South Africa with England in August.”
With such a name, the expectations are already high on Grayson but he reveals it is part and parcel of having such a successful dad.
Like fellow Saint Harry Mallinder, son of director of rugby Jim, it is the only thing they have known.
He said:  “There’s pressure and expectations on me because of who my dad is but I’ve never known any different, just like Harry.
“It’s really good to have my dad around because he knows what’s required to make it and he’s always there when I’m feeling down.
“He just tells me to go back to basics and enjoy playing rugby like when I was 12 or 13 trying to be like Carlos Spencer or Dan Carter.
“But saying that he makes sure I remain grounded and not go ahead of myself. He was in Swansea last week and we reviewed the game together. I scored 21 points but I made three mistakes on my first three touches of the ball and he was quick to point it out.”