Young Gun: Ben Howard – Worcester full-back

Ben Howard has not followed the traditional path into the international ranks having failed to even make a Midlands representative team two seasons ago.
Fresh from a first camp with England Under-20s the full-back has made his mark since joining the Worcester academy last season.
So impressive has Howard’s rise been that he got his first Premiership game time under his belt in the Warriors’ clash at Welford Road earlier this season.
Far from being overwhelmed, the 19-year-old got a taste for first team action – and doesn’t plan on stopping there.
“I couldn’t have asked for more getting my first opportunity against Leicester at Welford Road this season,” said Howard.
“I was really nervous for that game, I’d been on the bench the week before against Bath and not come on but Richard Hill told me during the week that I’d probably get some time.
“I came on and felt pretty comfortable out there. It was an unforgettable experience playing against the Leicester backline in that sort of atmosphere.
“Now I want to see if I can get a few more games with the LV= and maybe Amlin Cup games coming up.
“It’s been a great couple of years for me. I was at Warwick School and didn’t get into the Midlands Under-18s team and I felt hard done by with that.
“I got the opportunity to join the Worcester academy so I had a choice to make because I’d been accepted to study politics at Bath University.
“I’ve still got that place which I’ve since deferred for a second year but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity at Worcester.
“Being part of the England Under-20s squad is pretty special, although I still need to find my way in a little bit.
“A lot of those guys have been in the squads all the way through, whereas I’m coming in a bit from the outside. But I’m sure once I’ve had a couple more sessions I’ll start to feel at home.”
Despite starting his career at fly-half, Howard admits his kicking game remains an area which is in need of work.
He added: “I spend quite a lot of time working with Jon Callard when he comes in, and that has really helped my kicking game.
“Although I was a fly-half I wouldn’t say that kicking was really my strong point. I moved back to full-back because I realised that is where I could get a bit more space.
“At the club it’s great having someone like Chris Pennell to learn from. We have similar strengths and he came through the academy here as well.
“We’ve also got David Lemi and Nikki Walker who have come in and are brilliant guys to learn from.
“With Hilly coaching I know if I ever have a question he will listen. He spends a lot of time working with the backs, and Mathieu Rourre – our French attack coach – has some great ideas when he is here.
“I’m not really sure what the future holds for me at the moment but I need to keep playing as well as I can for the A side and try to get a few more opportunities in the first team.”