Worley relishing challenge to be the new Foden
MATT Worley learnt his trade alongside Dan Carter – now the precocious 20-year-old has his sights set on nailing down the full-back starting berth at Northampton.
Converted scrum-half Worley, Pymouth-born but raised in East Asia, has spent the last three seasons honing his skills at French cracks Racing 92 after being plucked from obscurity during a publicity trip while representing Natixis, sponsors of Hong Kong Football Club.
Newly imposed limits on overseas players in the Top 14 mean Worley can no longer play in France and he leapt at the opportunity to join Saints, where the departure of long-serving flier Ben Foden, below, presents a chance to compete for the 15 jersey.
Worley said: “Most English guys go through the academy system and play in the Premiership before going abroad, but I’m doing it the other way round.
“I moved to Hong Kong aged five when my dad got a job there with HSBC, then I had three years at Racing 92, which was a phenomenal experience. I never got a Top 14 start, but training alongside all those top stars gave me fantastic exposure.
“Dan Carter is so professional about everything he does. He was always first to arrive at training and last to leave and whatever he said, people listened.
“I’ve never seen anyone who knows the game so well, but I imagine it will be just the same at Saints with guys like Dan Biggar. He’s a world-class No.10 as well and it’s a new era at Saints with new coaches and top signings so it’s an exciting time to join.”
Worley might have remained in France, but explained: “Unless you’re an absolute superstar it’s becoming very difficult to get a gig there at a young age.
“I was only meant to be there for a month and prolonged that to three years, but the regulations have tightened so clubs are limiting the foreigners. I was cut, but Saints were really interested and they see a bit of Ben Foden in me – a No.9 who turned to 15 with a bit of pace about him.”
He added: “Full-back is probably where I’m best suited now and it’s going to be an exciting challenge ahead.
“Harry Mallinder can play full-back and it depends where they see his future as well, while there’s a fair bit of other competition, but it’s something I’ll relish.”