YOUNG GUNS

CHARLIE ATKINSON WASPS FLY-HALF

Charlie Atkinson’s first two Premiership games could hardly have been more different. After delighting in his Wasps debut against Sale in August, a follow-up appearance off the bench against Saracens a couple of weeks later had the makings of something special.

Going up against England captain Owen Farrell was the stuff of dreams for Atkinson, then 18 and fresh out of school, but one of the landmark moments of a fledgling career was destined to last just five minutes before Farrell was red-carded for laying the youngster out.

“It was obviously a mistake but it was an unfortunate ending for me,” says Atkinson, who hails from Abingdon and was a decent footballer, cricketer, hockey and tennis player before excelling for Oxford Rugby Club, from where he progressed via his county to Wasps.

Of his painful introduction to Premiership life, Atkinson added: “I was meant to get 25-30 minutes so for that to happen after five minutes was quite disappointing, but when I eventually walked off the pitch Owen was there on the side waiting to shake my hand.

“I don’t actually remember that but he came into the changing rooms after the game and asked our coaches if he could have a chat with me. He apologised and you could tell how upset he was. He certainly didn’t mean it and that was good enough for me.”

Happily, Atkinson is now fully recovered from the hit and, having turned 19 in October, he started his first Champions Cup match last weekend, helping Wasps to a 24-8 win at the Dragons alongside experienced Kiwi Jimmy Gopperth, who he cites as a mentor.

Atkinson explained: “Having Dan Robson and Jimmy either side definitely helps and Jimmy’s a massive influence on me. I first did a one-to-one with him when I was about 15 and since then he’s been really helpful, especially since I started training with the senior side.

“Pretty much every day he gives me a bit of good advice and while there are loads of technical things, probably the biggest thing he’s taught me is to enjoy every moment. He’s had an 18 or 19-year career and has had a few regrets where he hasn’t enjoyed certain games, but before my Premiership debut he told me to enjoy it and that’s something I’ll always remember.

“When Lee Blackett told me I’d be playing against Sale back in August, I couldn’t believe it. I’d only been out of school a few months so it was a big surprise because when I came into the senior squad, I thought things like that wouldn’t happen for a year or two.” Having demonstrated his mettle, Atkinson is now competing alongside Jacob Umaga and Gopperth for further game time, while also picking up tips elsewhere. He adds: “I can relate to Jacob because he’s more in my age bracket, but to also have two All Blacks in Lima Sopoaga and Malakai Fekitoa to lean on for advice is brilliant. I’ll just get my head down now.”