Hassell-Collins keen to strut his stuff like Henry
THE sight of Henry Arundell strutting his stuff on England’s tour down under and Will Joseph also savouring his first Test experience has left Ollie Hassell-Collins even more motivated to follow suit.
Hassell-Collins, 23, missed out on a place on the tour having been cut from the large summer training squad. Other London Irish team-mates Tom Parton and Tom Pearson also failed to make the plane down under but Hassell-Collins believes the fact so many of the club’s players are being considered merely shows how far the Exiles have come in recent times.
Hassell-Collins, right, who was also called up for the Six Nations squad, realises what a huge year lies ahead in the fierce battle for World Cup spots in France. And the wing claims: “I was proud to see both Henry and Will out in Australia doing their bit for their country. It’s great for the club to have them with England, and Ben White too having a good tour of Scotland.
“I just knew Henry would get that try...it was the greatest first touch ever! And Will to get on the field even for just a short time was testament to all the hard work and hard yards he’s put in. He went through a tough time with injuries a couple of years ago.
“It’s brilliant for the club because they will come back in for pre-season training having had that valuable experience, confidence from the international stage and a spring in their step.
“To get London Irish back on the map with so much international recognition, finishing in the top eight and qualifying for the Champions Cup last season.
“It all comes from the form we have produced over the last few seasons.
“Obviously I wish I was out there and it just motivates me more. I get that motivation every time I step into the England camp. Hopefully, that first cap will come along eventually.
“I was in the camp for the Barbarians week and the week before that, and he has given me some stuff to work on during preseason and the coaches here will give me everything I need to work on those things.
“I would love to be con sidered for the World Cup when it comes around but there’s so much rugby to be played and things to happen between now and then. I have to worry and focus about Irish first and see how it all develops.”
It would certainly help Hassell-Collins’, and all his club team-mates’ World Cup aspirations, if Exiles do not just build on their Premiership finish of last time but also enjoy a successful campaign on Europe’s biggest club stage with the new season set to kick off on September 9.
Hassell-Collins admits: “Playing against the best teams in Europe, and now South Africa, next season will be cool. It will be tough challenge but we have a talented and strong squad. We’ve got so much to look forward to, and I’m sure the fans can’t wait. I expect we will keep playing the same style of rugby in the Champions Cup as we do in the Premiership. But it would be nice to have some more wins and fewer draws this time!”