Young Gun: Max Wright – England U20s wing

Max Wright thought he would be watching the Junior World Championships from his sofa but things can change quickly in rugby and he was brought in a lot closer to the action after England U20s’ first game.
The Yorkshire Carnegie wing was part of the larger training squad who gathered in Newcastle as England U20s finalised their preparation at the end of May but head coach Martin Haag decided to only name him as a reserve.
A tournament-ending injury to fly-half Theo Trophy-Clews against Italy handed Wright a lifeline, however, and he was called back to link up with the squad.
His first appearance came against Australia in the last pool game and he scored a try off the bench in the semi-final win against South Africa on Monday.
“I was disappointed not to make the squad but I made sure I remained prepared in case I was needed and when Theo got injured in the first game they called me back,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“To end up being involved against Australia and South Africa was brilliant and that try on Monday in the semi-final made it even more special.
“Like most of the squad I’ll have another year at U20s level in 2017 so, hopefully, we’ll be able to take on this year’s experience and challenge for honours again.”
That last game of the group stages against Australia helped England U20s secure their place for the semi-finals as the top seeded side but it also was a special occasion for Yorkshire Carnegie – the only Championship club to be represented in the squad.
The Leeds outfit had no fewer than five players in the matchday squad with prop Lewis Boyce and captain Jack Walker starting in the front row while flanker Josh Bainbridge and scrum-half Max Green were named on the bench alongside Wright.
Wright added: “The game against Australia was pretty special for the club. We’re the only players who in the Championship but to have so many of us in the England U20s is a great testament to everyone involved and especially (academy manager) Andy Rock.
“I’m very thankful for everything the club has done for me and they played a big part in my career so far.
“I never expected to play so many games for the first team but I managed to make nine appearances in both the B&I Cup and the Championship.
“Funnily enough these games came in two blocks for me with five consecutive games before Christmas and another four in March-April.
“It was tough on the body but I really enjoyed it and, hopefully, I can push on next season.”