Hard yards in Jersey get Kyle England-ready
KYLE Hatherell is among the uncapped players being considered by England for the Six Nations squad which is announced on Tuesday even though he has played in only nine Premiership matches and was in the Championship last season.
The 26-year-old South African back rower, who is qualified to play for England, joined Worcester from Jersey Reds in the summer and quickly became a fans’ favourite with the hard tackling and powerful running that have attracted England’s attention.
“The more I saw Kyle playing for Jersey, the more I thought he could make it in the Premiership,” said Jonathan Thomas, Worcester’s head coach. “He is a late bloomer who has not made it the normal way through the academy system.
“He has built character and resilience through that. As soon as I had a Zoom call with him last year, I realised he was a good kid who was keen to excel. He is tough having done the hard yards in the Championship.
“When it comes to carrying, his stats are up there with the best back rowers in the country. He still has a lot of growth because this is his first year at the top level.
“The key to any player who wants to do well is whether they are prepared to listen, work hard and want to improve. We knew Kyle had the ability and it was then about the person. He has not disappointed.”
Hatherell spent three years with Jersey having joined from the Scottish Premiership club Marr and paid tribute to the Championship for moulding him as a player.
“The Championship is a tough, physical league which is not to be taken lightly,” he said. “It helped me develop into the player I am today.
“The biggest difference between the two leagues is the speed the game is played at in the Premiership. It contains some of the best players in the world and is faster and more accurate than what I was used to.
“It was about adjusting to the pace and I feel I have been blessed to have the opportunity of playing for Worcester.”
Hatherell did not start in any of Worcester’s first three matches of the season and was given his chance when skipper Ted Hill was sent off against Gloucester.
Hatherell has taken his place with Hill since shifting to the openside. He has scored two tries and been involved in several more, prompting England to take a close look.