Young Gun: Tom Collins – Northampton centre

Northampton youngster Tom Collins was very nearly a Cobbler rather than a Saint but the centre insists he has no regrets about choosing the oval ball.
Collins’ father, Darren, and grandfather, Brian, were both professional footballers with Northampton Town at their old County Ground home.
Following in their footsteps, Collins was handy in the round ball game, training with the Cobblers as a youngster, as well as taking an interest in rugby.
However when the time to choose between the two sports came, Collins decided despite family ties that he preferred rugby, and having cracked the England U20s squad, making his first appearance a fortnight ago against Ireland, it looks like it was the right decision.
He said: “My family were all football fans and I had played a bit with the Cobblers as a youngster so it was a tough decision to make. My dad played for Northampton, and for Rushden for a long time, and my grandad as well, he even went to Belgium to play for Bruges.
“But in the end, I decided rugby was what I wanted to do, and it’s been going pretty well for me.
“It’s quite exciting for me at the moment, I’ve been involved with some of the England age group sides in the past, but the U20s is obviously the big one everyone looks forwards to.
“We’ve had quite a lot of time in the camps together, but it’s different now, with the Six Nations underway and matches to focus on.
“Getting that first cap under my belt was a huge step, and hopefully I can kick on now. The squad has got a few guys with a lot of experience there, so that definitely helps.
“The home game against Italy is at Franklin’s Gardens as well, so it would be great to get a chance on home soil.”
Still only 18, Collins will have another season at U20 level, but made his debut off the bench in the narrow defeat to Ireland.
Capable of playing in the centres, on the wing or even at full-back, Collins’ versatility is clearly a valuable asset.
Bearing in mind his ability to fill in almost anywhere in the three-quarters, it’s little surprise that Tom May, a utility back par excellence, is his mentor.
A regular in the Saints U18 and A team, Collins made his full senior debut in the LV= Cup against Gloucester last month, and says he relished the opportunity to get out with the first team.
“It’s a great environment for me to learn in at Northampton and Tom May is the person who I work with a lot. He can play anywhere in the backline so he’s someone who has really helped me.
“I’ve been lucky to get the chances I have with the club so far this season, the A team has been great for my development, and the U18s as well.
“I was on the bench a couple of times and then to actually get out there was pretty special. I almost scored a try as well, but it was called back for a forward pass. But the most important thing for me is to play well for the team.
“It was my first game at Franklin’s Gardens since the JP Morgan 7s a couple of years ago, and it was very different
“But learning from guys like Tom and Ben Foden really helps you get ready for games like this.
“I’ve come through the ranks at Saints, from their Elite Player Development Group, and it’s exciting to get the opportunity with the first team now.”