Jacob’s England cracker has SIX appeal
WASPS BOSS PINPOINTS THE CATALYST BEHIND FLY-HALF’S RAPID RISE
JACOB Umaga’s spell in New Zealand has been pinpointed by Wasps director of rugby Dai Young as the catalyst for his rapid rise into being called up by England.
The 21-old spent eight months in Auckland while still in Wasps Academy, where he played a part in helping Auckland win the 2018 Mitre Cup. Having started Wasps’ last four Gallagher Premiership games, the nephew of former New Zealand captain Tana Umaga was named in Eddie Jones’ squad for the Six Nations.
Shortly after the announcement, we spoke to his delighted club boss Dai Young, who plucked him from Leicester Tigers Academy in June 2016 and awarded a senior contract ahead of this season. Here’s what Young said.
He’s worked his socks off
It’s really pleasing to see players coming through the Academy and into the first team and hopefully progress on to international rugby. He’s certainly had recognition, it would be nice to see him put that jersey on. I think Jacob would just be really pleased to be in the mix and it’s recognition of how well he has played this season.
He’s worked his socks off to improve. He had a really good stint in New Zealand that gave him that extra experience, but it gave him some real confidence as well coming into this season. He’s certainly been a different player this season, he’s got our attacking line going really well and he takes up to the line really well and makes really good decisions.
His kicking game is excellent as well. By his own admission, he’s still got things to learn and improve on, he certainly works hard at his game and it’s a little bit of recognition for the Academy and the club, we are working hard and we are bringing youngsters through and they are being recognised as well.
Has Umaga’s rise been surprising?
I would be lying to say no. I think we all knew he had the potential in him. But whether he could come through as quickly as he has, I don’t think anybody would’ve put too much money on that. He’s done it all himself. The coaches have worked hard to drag that out of him. He’s worked really hard, he’s had the opportunities and he has just thrived with every opportunity he has been given.
Jacob’s been out on loan at Hinckley, Broadstreet, Yorkshire Carnegie and played out in New Zealand, was that part of a plan?
By his own admission, he would probably rather play than train. A lot of players are like that. The jury was out for a long time whether he was a ten or a 15. Playing at ten, the only way to get comfortable at running a game and organising is to play there, that’s always been Jacob’s plan.
The biggest influence he’s had is going to New Zealand. I think going there, playing in that competition, and rubbing shoulders with some quality players out there has given him a lot of confidence and a lot of belief. And he’s come back this season and gone from strength to strength.
You talk to any player who had stints away, it does toughen you up, it does build a bit of character, it does give you a different perspective, you haven’t got everything given to you. You’ve got to live on your own and look after yourself.
How about Jacob Umaga, the man?
He’s quite a quiet lad. He’s a laid back guy, which is quite unusual for a ten, you look at him and Dan Biggar, they’re completely different personalities, but when he is on the field he does talk really well. He’s the one this season who has put his hand up and started pushing his claim forward.
He’s certainly been a different player this season, he’s got our attacking line going really well. Dai Young