IDOL TALK

Lawrence shock at being hero to team-mate Smith

- by ADAM HATHAWAY

OLLIE LAWRENCE has laughed off Fin Smith's revelation he is the flyhalf's hero ahead of them linking up this weekend at Twickenham for the \Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland.

The pair, who played for Worcester before their collapse, were big noises on the youth scene in the Midlands as youngsters, with Smith a couple of years behind Lawrence.

Centre Lawrence, 25, was carving it up for Bromsgrove School, while Smith was at nearby Warwick School.

Lawrence played for England Under-16 and U-18s and Smith said last week the midfielder was his idol then and later when Worcester were struggling.

Lawrence forced his way into the England U-20s and made his full debut in 2020, against Italy, despite Warriors' poor form, only increasing Smith's adoration.