YOUNG GUNS
SAMWORSLEY
Having learned off the likes of AJ MacGinty and Callum Sheedy, ‘triple threat’ fly-half Sam Worsley is looking to make his mark on his boyhood club Bristol Bears this season.
The 18-year-old led Bristol Cubs to the U18s Premiership Academy title last season as they overcame Northampton Saints 13-5 at Sixways in the final with Worsley chipping in with a vital eight points from the tee.
Bristol went unbeaten throughout the U18s competition to become National champions for the first time and Worsley is one of numerous academy graduates that look to have a bright future in the sport.
He said: “It really started from the culture we had in the team. The coaches were really good, letting us go out after games and they built a really good group of lads all from different schools.
“We had a great culture. The coaches set really high standards in training and that combination allowed us to keep winning games. We all just loved playing together.”
Having been at the club since he was 13, Worsley is carrying on from his uncle Dave Bennett who played fullback for Bristol in the late 90s and father Mike Worsley who also played for the club for a season.
Worsley said: “It’s been really good, I’ve come through right from the start with a lot of my mates. A lot of the boys who were in the academy I’m here with now. It’s been really good as a boyhood club, all my family have season tickets and I used to ball boy, so it’s always been in the family, and I love playing for them.”
The three-time capped England U18s player grew up idolising legendary All Blacks players after religiously watching “Legends of All Black Rugby” on DVD.
“I used to watch Christian Cullen’s highlight reel, Dan Carter, Carlos Spencer and a lot of the other All Blacks closely,” he revealed. “My dad was always banging on about the All Blacks and he got me this DVD of the 50 best All Blacks and went from 50 to 1 showing all the highlights, so I watched that a lot during my childhood.”
Worsley sees himself as a livewire fly-half who relies on his instincts as much as his technical ability and added: “I would say my instincts stand me apart from the rest. I feel like I’m a bit of a triple threat; I can run, kick, pass and I’ve got a good eye for a gap and have good instincts.”
Worsley is hoping to make his first-team debut this year but is level-headed and isn’t looking too far ahead.
“I want to play as much rugby as I can, it would be great to break into the first team as quick as possible, but I just need to make sure I take my opportunities and really make the most of what I have,” he concluded. “I’m aiming to make myself a better player this season and really work hard.
“I’ve learned so much off the flyhalves at Bristol. Sheedy and AJ (MacGinty) have been really good, noticing things I can improve on. AJ especially was always grabbing me to go kick with him, so it’s been such a great environment to grow in.”