BECK CUTTING
Google Beck Cutting and there’s a photograph of him receiving the man-of-the-match award from England’s Jamie George after helping Bromsgrove School to victory in the 2016 NatWest Schools Cup. It’s one he cherishes because, two years on, 19-year-old Cutting is on the same career trajectory as the man he so admires after making his England U20s debut on Friday night.
Cutting, who played his junior rugby with Kidderminster Carolians before being picked up by Worcester aged 15, recalls: “I had the photo taken and got a signed shirt from Jamie, so it was a special moment. He was starting to come through in the England set-up at the time and he’s one of those people I watch and base what I want to be in future on.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a prototype for any player to follow because you want to take the best of everyone and build it into your game, but Jamie shows a great skill-set and what he’s done with Saracens, England and the Lions is what any player in my position aspires to.”
Cutting has never been short of role models. At Bromsgrove he was under the influence of former Gloucester and Warriors front rower Tony Windo, while exEngland hooker Andy Long is helping to steer his career at Worcester, where initially he had Agustin Creevy to study close-up.
“When I was growing up at Worcester I saw some great performances from Creevy, who was a hugely charismatic figure around the club and is one of the world’s leading hookers,” Cutting said. “He’s been amazing for Argentina so it was wonderful to be able to tap into his knowledge while he was at Sixways and it’s beneficial working with Andy Long now, who’s been great.
“I made my Worcester debut against Sale in November and Andy gave me chances to play for Bishop’s Stortford in National One before Christmas, so that, along with my university commitments and England involvement, means I’ve had a fantastic season. I toured South Africa with England U18s in August as well and that was a fabulous experience in a tough country to visit.
“Coming through that U18s set-up, beating South Africa and France and then making the U20s has been brilliant and to be involved against Scotland on Friday night was a huge honour.”
Cutting balances his Worcester, Bishop’s Stortford and England commitments with playing in the midweek BUCS league for Bath University, where he studies sport and social sciences.
His immediate postSix Nations aim will be to return to Sixways and apply pressure to club-mate Jack Singleton, who toured Argentina with England’s seniors last summer.
Cutting added: “I get on very well with Jack and he’s taken his opportunities superbly, but hopefully I can get back to Worcester a better player now and give him a bigger challenge.”
NEALE HARVEY