EVERYONE REMEMBERS their first day at big school. The nerves, the brand-new uniform and, quite literally, looking up to the older kids who run the show in the playground.
And joining a Premiership side's senior academy is a largely similar experience for the hundreds of young men dipping their toes into the big time every year.
Rubbing shoulders with England heroes they have long dreamed about emulating is bound to be at least slightly intimidating, even for the most cocksure of talented rugby-playing teenagers. But it's something they have to take into their stride at this stage of their careers.
"On the first day I was thinking, 'oh this is going to be quite daunting"," explains Sale Sharks winger Albert Bradshaw, 18.
"But as the days go on, you get close and it's like playing rugby with any team like at my school (Stockport Grammar). You build close relationships."
Bradshaw was speaking at the RPA Academy Induction day held earlier this year at Rugby School to show new senior academy players in 2023-24 what's in store and how to deal with it.
Unlike their footballing peers, rugby's newest professionals are by no means in for immediate riches, yet it still requires a mindset change as an old hobby becomes their new day job.
"I think it's great to be in the academy, it's my job and I love it," adds Bradshaw.
"It is working but I don't find it to be a chore. I enjoy it and I think it's great. You learn from some of the best players in the world and also get to play alongside them."
While Bradshaw has been in the Manchester area since he started playing as an U6 at Macclesfield rugby club, his new colleague Tye Raymont has moved from Yorkshire Academy to sign with Sale.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2023-Ausgabe von Rugby World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2023-Ausgabe von Rugby World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY