Young Gun: Will Evans – England U20s openside

Will Evans thought his season was a write off when he failed to make the U20s Six Nations squad but a sensational few weeks thereafter meant he is ending it on cloud nine.
The 19-year-old flanker started the year dual-registered with South Leicester in National Two before moving up to National One with Ampthill.
He also played in every A-League game for Leicester – but it was not enough for him to be selected in the England U20s squad after the New Year.
However his fortunes changed in April when he made his Premiership debut against Gloucester. Three more appearances followed, including the semi-final against Saracens, earning him selection for the Junior World Cup.
“I didn’t think I’d achieve much this year when I missed the cut for the Six Nations but it’s been a crazy end to the season and I’m on cloud nine right now,” he told TRP.
“To go from the disappointment of missing out on the Six Nations to playing in the Premier-ship and now being involved in a home World Cup is just unbelievable. I haven’t had time to think about it and to be honest and that’s probably a good thing because I didn’t get to be nervous about what was happening.
“Things have gone at one hundred miles an hour for me in recent weeks but I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground and work as hard as I can in training.
“I never thought I’d be making my Tigers debut back in April. Two or three years down the line was my target.
“It’s given me a new lease of life and it’s definitely helped state my case for the JWC. Hopefully I’ll wake up from that dream with the World Cup trophy next to me.”
Evans, who left home and lived alone at 16 to join the Tigers academy, is an out and out openside and making a nuisance of himself at the breakdown is what he enjoys doing.
So lining up against Matt Kvesic for his professional debut at Welford Road will live long in his memory.
He added: “That game was very special for me. Matt is still young but he’s definitely someone I’m looking up to especially for the things he does over the ball.
“Playing in the Premiership this season has given so much confidence and I find myself trying things I wouldn’t normally try.
“My work around the breakdown is the key for me and I’m hoping I can make my turnovers count during the JWC.
“We should be well drilled going into the first game against Italy. There are a few things left to work on but we can’t wait to get going.”