Destination Argentina for much-improved Harry
SELF-CONFESSED former fat boy Harry Williams reckons physical improvements and working with the “best coaching team in the Premiership” have transformed him from being a Championship journeyman into a potential England star.
Williams has been a tight-head revelation since joining Exeter from Jersey two years ago, but the hirsute front row warrior from South London, who was once on the books of Wasps before Nottingham and then Jersey, modestly diverts praise. Williams, 25, told The
Rugby Paper: “My England call didn’t come as a total shock because (England scrum coach) Neal Hatley told me I was on their radar. I was overjoyed when it was confirmed but since then I’ve been fully focussed on Chiefs.
“It’s been a fantastic move to Exeter. When I first arrived my scrummaging and maul needed a lot of improving and I was much too heavy and fat to start with.
“Exeter’s S&C staff got into me and physically I’ve made huge improvements, while I’ve tidied up my breakdown and set-piece. There was never anything wrong with my attitude, it was just a case of understanding what’s required.”
Williams added: “Rob Hunter and Rob Baxter have put a lot of time into me coaching-wise and have never got bored of helping me out.
“They kept on at me and at times that was frustrating, but it’s paid off and I think we’ve got the best coaching team in the Premiership.
“They’re all so diligent in what they do and nothing’s too much trouble, so they’ll deserve huge for any England recognition I get.”
With Dan Cole and Kyle Sinckler on Lions duty, Williams will battle Will Collier and Paul Hill for the tight-head spots in Argentina.
He said: “There’s a lot of guys in their early-to-midtwenties looking to make a mark. Cole and Sinckler being away has opened a door and if I get a chance in Argentina, I’ll take it.
“You know Argentina will provide a stiff test but all I can do is keep focussing on what I do on and off the pitch, acquit myself well and, hopefully, everything else will follow.”