Marcus Smith leads Red Rose bid to reclaim U20s world crown
Joel Kpoku reveals he was torn between Rugby League and Rugby Union before a chat with legendary England back rower Richard Hill persuaded him to throw in his lot with Saracens, where he is now one of the hottest second row properties behind Maro Itoje and Nick Isiekwe.
Born in Southgate, a conversion kick away from Saracens’ spiritual old home at Bramley Road, Kpoku spent his formative years playing for the London Skolars Rugby League team before embracing Union with the Saracens Amateurs and combining both sports for four years.
“Skolars gave me my first taste of rugby but then I got involved with the Saracens Amateurs and, along with my brother, Jonathan, we were spotted at U16s level by Richard Hill,” says strapping lock forward Kpoku, 18, an ambitious member of the England U20s World Cup squad.
“I played both League and Union from U12s through to U16s but Richard asked us to train with Saracens and that’s how we came to be part of their academy. I’m Saracens at heart now, having been brought up near their old ground and becoming a big fan of Union there.”
A disastrous start to the current campaign saw Kpoku spend seven months on the sidelines after breaking a metatarsal bone in September. However, so highly is he rated that he was fasttracked into the England U20s squad despite never having played age grade Test rugby.
Kpoku explained: “I got concussed at Bath in an A-League game and a couple of weeks later came back and did my metatarsal. I only got back playing in March so it was really frustrating, but the physios at Saracens did a great job and to get this England call-up now is brilliant.”
With the Saracens production line in full swing, Kpoku does not have far to look for inspiration.
He added: “It’s massive for me to be around players like Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe and George Kruis. Nick’s just one year above me and the way he’s progressed through this whole season has been phenomenal. It shows what hard work can do and he’s implemented that brilliantly.
“I’ve learnt a lot from Maro and George as well, especially around my lineout game, where George has been a big mentor. A lot of people see me as a potential No.8 or back rower, but I’m an all-out second rower at heart and that’s where I’d like to see myself staying. It’s huge competition with my brother coming up as well, but I’d like to make that position mine.”
A huge fan of New Zealander Sam Whitelock – “His allround game and leadership is really impressive” – Kpoku had a taste of the task England U20s face when he was part of the side given a massive physical examination by South Africa U20s two weeks ago.
“I’ve never been involved in such a physical game before but it was a great challenge and I’ll relish meeting them again knowing exactly what’s coming,” Kpoku said.”