RISING STARS

When did you first play rugby? I was five or six, my dad took me down to my local club, London Irish, to play tag.

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1 ELLIOT WILLIAMS

AGE 18 (29 MAY 2007) // BORN STAINES, GREATER LONDON // POSITION LOCK // CLUB HARLEQUINS // COUNTRY ENGLAND

My family always watched it but were more of a basketball family! My parents both played that to a relatively high level from their teens.

What attracted you to rugby as a youngster? Just burning off steam with my mates really!

How did your journey progress? I was at London Irish for about ten years. I always enjoyed my time there, especially when my dad started coaching me for about five years as I could ask him anything.

Positions played? I played wing for five or six years from U12 or U13! Then I lost some speed at about 13 and moved into the second row. I might try and transition to back-row this year. I quite enjoy six but I don't mind - as long as I'm in the team!

When did you make the academy? I got into the Harlequins academy at U14 or U15 and then it got more serious. I was offered a scholarship at Gordon's, where I do PE, business and sociology A-levels, and play rugby in the ACE league.

Did you play other sports? A lot of racquet sports. Tennis and a bit of squash.

What's the plan next year? Quins have offered me a full-time contract and I'll probably be loaned out.