RISING STARS

I started playing at around four or five. My dad played for a long time, so it was bred into me.

- Interviews JOSH GRAHAM & JOE ROBINSON

1 TOM BURROW

AGE 20 (27 JULY 2005) // BORN COMERSAL, WEST YORKSHIRE // POSITION LOCK // CLUB SALE SHARKS // COUNTRY ENGLAND

When did you first play rugby? I started down at Morley rugby club and played there for about 12, 13 years.

Did you play other sports growing up? Oh yeah. I played football but also representative cricket for Yorkshire for a long time. Left-arm seam bowler but I'd get so bored standing at fine leg, kicking the dirt. I had to decide between rugby and cricket after a while, but I was naturally a better rugby player.

Do you play in any other positions? Absolutely not. I would love to think of myself as a hybrid six but that isn't quite happening for me at the moment. Hopefully that comes later on.

Do you remember your first game for England? It was for the U18s against South Africa. I did a three-match series out there and it was an eyeopener. They were all massive, it was mental. We did well to stick in the series, to be honest.

Childhood heroes growing up? I always looked up to Courtney Lawes. He would absolutely nail people in defence but he was still a good set-piece player. When I was younger I thought I could kick, so I also looked up to Owen Farrell. But I've learned with age that's not the case.

Describe your playing style... I try to pride myself on being a bit of a leader but that is mainly through my actions as opposed to anything I say. Also my set-piece, looking after the lineout calls and then trying to bang people in defence.