Premiership Rugby Sevens up for Rory Hutchinson and Northampton Saints

Rory Hutchinson in action for Shelford

Rory Hutchinson will take another step in his burgeoning rugby career when he lines up for Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Sevens Series finals at the Twickenham Stoop tonight.

The 18-year-old was part of the Saints squad which qualified last week, winning two of their three games at Franklin’s Gardens. And it was another sign of the development of his career in what has been a remarkable 12 months.

A year ago, Hutchinson was hoping to get more game time with Shelford and perhaps earn a place in the Scotland under-18s squad.

But fast forward, and, despite suffering a broken wrist and glandular fever, he has earned a one-year senior academy contract at the Saints and represented Scotland under-20s in four of their five matches at the 2014 IRB Junior World Championships.

“It was a bit up and down at the beginning as I had a broken wrist and glandular fever but I took the chances I got,” said Hutchinson. “I played (for Shelford) with my glandular fever and it did not work out for me, so I went on holiday to South Africa and I think the warm weather helped me recover.

“I started to get a bit frustrated that I was missing rugby and not playing so I was just raring to go when I got back.”

Hutchinson was offered a contract with the Saints after winning the Premiership Rugby Academies League title by beating Exeter 31-19 in February.

And he admitted that it was a surprise as he seemed set to be released by the club last autumn.

Hutchinson had been at school at Felsted which made it difficult for him to get back to Northampton for training and matches, although he could play at weekends for Shelford.

An injury suffered during skiing was also a hindrance, but his performance in a match against Leicester last September caught the eye of the Saints’ coaches to keep him on, although it was the game where he broke his wrist.

That display against the Tigers was despite not knowing the calls or moves, but Hutchinson put it down to getting the basics right and executing what he had learnt at Shelford.

“I would recommend it to anybody – play senior rugby as early as you can. I learnt a lot playing with people like Aki Lea, Grant Anderson, Will Lawson and Ed Mills, they are very welcoming and explain a lot,” he said.

So after earning his contract at the Saints, then came the trip to New Zealand this summer for the world championships with Scotland.

“It was incredible,” he said. “To be called up at two years below (the age group) was a massive honour. Travelling halfway round the world to play rugby, what more do you want?

“It was a massive level up. We were playing Handre Pollard, who has already played in the first team for South Africa.”

Now in pre-season, Hutchinson is adapting to his new surroundings.

“At the moment, I’m loving it. It’s a great environment, it’s amazing playing with all their international players, like Luther Burrell and Ben Foden,” he said. “It’s a one-year academy contract so it’s about learning as much as you can and playing as much as you can.”

And in a very modest manner, Hutchinson reflected on his year and said: “I’m lucky I have taken all the opportunities that have been given to me, and I have taken and used them to my advantage.”

Cambridge’s Matt Goode has also been named in the Saints’ squad for sevens finals tonight.

Article source: http://www.soglos.com/sport-outdoor/37169/Mike-Tindall-retires-from-professional-rugby

Premiership Rugby Sevens up for Rory Hutchinson and Northampton Saints