Young Gun: Matt Gallagher – England U20s full-back
The 19-year-old was voted Saracens academy Player of the Year on the back of a stellar A-League campaign with the Storm as well as helping his loan club Old Albanians win promotion to National League One.
Such performances were noticed by England U20s new head coach Martin Haag who this week named him in his 28-man squad for the Junior World Cup in Manchester.
With the likes of Premiership sensations Johnny Williams, Harry Mallinder, Joe Marchant and Theo Brophy-Clews also included, the competition in the back-line promises to be fierce but Gallagher is hoping he can help out in order to follow in the footsteps of his father John who famously won the 1987 World Cup with the All Blacks.
“I never got to see my father play but I’ve seen highlights of him playing for the All Blacks and that was pretty cool,” Gallagher Jnr told TRP.
“He’s quite proud I got into the squad and it’ll be awesome to have another world champion in our family.
“I always hoped to make the World Cup squad but I was injured last year so I didn’t play for England U18s and was off the radar at the start of this season.
“But I played a lot for OAs as well as the Storm side and I think that’s what helped me put my hand up.
“There are some very good players in the squad and some with Premiership experience but I just want to come in, bring fresh ideas and do my best for the team.”
Being a full-time member of the Sarries academy means Gallagher trains full-time with the first team squad and that includes picking the brains of England full-back Alex Goode.
He added: “I played in a few positions in the back line this season but my preference goes towards full-back because that’s where I feel the more in control of the game.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with Alex in training. He’s giving little pointers and goes through my games with me. There are simple things you don’t really think about but they make a huge difference.
“Back-field cover is crucial at the top level and it’s completely different from school rugby. There is a lot more kicking involved and you can get exposed very quickly if you’re in the wrong place.
“I’ve got another year on my contract so I’m looking forward to next season even if I’m not sure where I’ll play as it’s not decided yet whether I’ll stay dual-registered with OAs or move up to Bedford.”
