YOUNG GUNS
Ethan Staddon could not have wished for a finer moment than last weekend when, at 18 years and 156 days, he ran on in the 68th minute of Bath’s 33-17 victory over Worcester to become the club’s youngest ever Premiership player.
For Bridport-born back row Staddon, it vindicated his decision to leave home at 17 and throw his heart and soul into becoming a professional rugby player. Now, having already been capped at U18s level by England, he can set his sights higher.
“It was certainly a big moment,” says Staddon of his cameo at Sixways. “It’s something you dream of as a kid and it’s rewarding to see where I am now. To be Bath’s youngest Premiership player is a huge honour and I’ll keep working hard.”
Having played his early rugby at Bridport RFC, Staddon joined Dorchester where he excelled at county level before being spotted by Bath.
He recalls: “I followed my cousin to Bridport but moved to Dorchester as I got older and was lucky to find myself in a very good team. We were three-time county champions and I represented Dorset before getting into the Bath network.
“I owe lots of people, especially the coaches at Dorchester and the guys at Bridport Leisure Centre who were very generous in supporting me. That was brilliant because there weren’t many other decent gym facilities available to me.
“Having got on to Bath’s radar, I left home and boarded at Beechen Cliff School for a year. I had to move away to pursue a rugby career but it’s been a good and, thanks to the coaches here, I’m in my third year and have a new contract.”
Bath’s faith looks well placed and, although he is capable of playing at lock, Staddon sees his long-term future as a never-say-die flanker.
He explained: “I played at lock for Bath’s U18s and for England in South Africa last year, but since getting into the senior set-up here, back row has become more permanent and I’d like to see myself developing along the lines of Tom Curry.”
If you’re going to set the bar high, are there any better players to follow than Sale warrior Curry and Staddon’s clubmate at Bath, Sam Underhill?
Of England two back row incumbents, he says: “Like Tom, I feel like I can be a breakdown threat, be very physical with that body in front defence and then have the strength and ability to carry, break tackles and be an attacking threat.
“Tom’s work-rate is especially impressive and he’s got that ability to keep going for 80 minutes. You’ve also got to appreciate Sam Underhill’s strength in defence and ability to make game-changing collisions, so that’s what I aspire to.”
An England U20s call may also soon beckon. Staddon added: “I played in the first North v South match a fortnight ago and am in touch with the coaches. Hopefully, I can get involved there for the Six Nations and continue my progress.”