RISING STARS

Timmins missed almost all of the recent U20 World Cup after picking up a five-match ban. It should prove a minor blip for the ex-Millfield student who made his Bath first-team debut at Saracens in May.

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GEORGE

AGE 20 (19 APR 2005) // BORN KETTERING // POSITION BACK-ROW // CLUB BATH RUGBY // COUNTRY ENGLAND

How did you get into rugby? My dad took me to play football when I was three years old but said I wasn't good enough, so one of my mate’s dads said he should take me to the local rugby club instead. That was Market Harborough RFC, I was about four.

What did you like about the sport? My parents were both sporty, so they were keen I did something and it was rugby where I found the passion. I was playing rugby with my mates and we were coached by our dads too. My dad coached us and then Stevie Leebrook, my favourite coach growing up.

What other sports did you play? Name a sport and I probably gave it a go when I was growing up. I kept going with football. I was a central defensive midfielder, used the engine to get around the park.

What positions do you play? I've played six, seven and eight recently. I'm not bothered which; as long as I get a few minutes, I'm happy.

Your first rep rugby? The U18s Six Nations festival in Ireland. It was fun. We lost by a point to France, beat Italy and pumped Ireland in the last game. A great way to finish the tournament.

Childhood hero? Neil Back. He retired just after I was born but I watched him on YouTube. Martin Corry’s son is the year below me and we both played at Market Harborough; he showed me footage of him, which is how he became a hero of mine. I was a Leicester Tigers fan growing up, being from down the road.

Describe your playing style... Old school. I like the physicality. Making tackles, hitting rucks, the stuff that isn’t glamorous.