Northampton Saints youngster Tom Collins is targeting the 2013 J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s series as a way to force his way into the first team reckoning at Franklin’s Gardens.
Collins, who turned 19 earlier this month, featured in last year’s J.P. Morgan Premiership 7s before going on to make his first-team debut and featuring for the England Under 20s in what would prove a year never to forget in his young career.
A year on and Collins is again in line to feature, with Saints set to field a strong squad when they host Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks on Friday August 2 with the top two set to qualify for the series final in Bath a week later.
And the Saints centre insists no one will have more of a carrot to perform well then him with further first-team outings for Northampton firmly on his radar.
“Getting a run out last season in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s was quality. Playing in that group stage for the Saints was fantastic for me and my season went well from that point on with the first team,†he said.
“I saw it as a big opportunity because at Saints each year they usually play a young squad and it was my first year of full-time rugby really last year so it gave me a chance to show what we can do.
“The 7s definitely helped my career and making my first team debut was a fantastic experience. I had been on the bench a few times but against Gloucester at home I came on and being a local lad that was amazing and something I had worked hard for.
“I want to try and repeat what I did last season and do more if possible, get a few more games under my belt and the J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s is a starting point for that.â€
Collins’ rise through the Saints ranks saw him make his international bow for England under 20s during the Six Nations defeat against Ireland in February.
Despite his tender years Collins was also on standby for the recent Junior World Championship and with a year to go at under-20 level the Saints teenager is eyeing further caps for his country in the 12 months to come.
“I didn’t really play age group rugby until the England Under-20s but when I got my first taste of international rugby it left me wanting more. It was a great atmosphere and to play in that environment was really beneficial,†he said.
“I still have another year in the Under-20s and I was a reserve for the Junior World Championships in case anyone got injured but they played really well and ground out a few vital wins.â€
The second leg of J.P Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s will be at Franklin’s Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints, on Friday 2 August. For tickets and more information visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com or follow @jpmorganrugby7s
Article source: http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=79063&title=vb-nsw-cup-previews---round-eighteen
Rugby Union: Tom Collins hopes to make most of Premiership 7s chance
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