Painter brushing up on his eye for detail
NORTHAMPTON tighthead Ehren Painter believes learning from the best New Zealand rugby has to offer will boost his chances of making a senior England breakthrough.
Painter, 21, emerged from last year’s England U20s programme to enjoy an impressive first full season in Premiership and European rugby, more than holding his own in a Saints side that made the play-offs and capping it in June by starting for England against the Barbarians.
Painter has already benefitted from working with World Cup-winning All Blacks prop Ben Franks and says the impending arrival of his multi-decorated brother, Owen, will improve him as a player and ensure Saints are in the best position to compete for top silverware.
“Owen, right, will come to us off the back of three World Cups and Ben’s won two already, so it’s my duty to learn off them and the best man will earn the shirt,” Painter told The Rugby Paper.
“Ben’s been brilliant with me since he joined and when he talks, you listen.
“It’s not all been about scrummaging, he’ll tell you rugby’s all about attention to detail and I imagine that, just like Ben, Owen will be ultra-professional in how he goes about his business.
“It’s a great opportunity to be a sponge and all our younger tightheads will have the opportunity to hear what Owen has been through in his career and pick his brains.”
With 32-year-old Dan Cole set for what will most likely be his last World Cup, Painter is among a band of hopefuls England may turn to in the near future – a group that includes Bath pair Will Stuart and Christian Judge and Painter’s own clubmate, Paul Hill.
Painter does not see his tender years as a barrier, adding: “I feel fortunate to have been able to push straight on from the U20s and get the opportunities I’ve had, but clubs have maybe realised that it’s not so much about age now but more to do with you being ready for it.
“I’m only 21 but that doesn’t really matter too much at Saints; everyone’s got a voice here and it seems like we had a lot of boys who took their opportunities last year.
“I couldn’t have dreamt of the places I played, like Clermont and against Leicester at Twickenham, and to get that game for England against the Barbarians was a huge honour.
“International rugby is something I’m hungry for, so if I can improve and play well for Saints, we’ll see what happens in future.”
Being in a winning team will help and Painter is convinced Saints can build on last season by closing the gap with Saracens and Exeter and pushing for Premiership honours.
“The top two has to be our aim, we can’t just settle for top four when you’re trying to win it,” he said. “Winning the Premiership Cup last season was a stepping stone but we want to win bigger things now and if you’re going to win the Premiership, a home semifinal is vital.”