“His first call ended as I went to pick the phone up,” said Beard, who three years ago was in the England U20 squad along with Fin Smith, Tom Roebuck and Tommy Freeman, who are also in the 36. “I had locked myself in my room telling my mother not come come in and was absolutely bricking it.
“When he called again and told me, I could not believe it. I had had a few chats with Steve and thought if I performed in my next two games I would see what happened. He told me what he liked about my game and gave me pointers which I have tried to add to my game.
“The call telling me I was in probably only lasted a couple of minutes but I must have said thank you a million times. He told me to be myself, bring my super strengths and enjoy it.
“It is a dream come true. To be involved with England in any capacity is thrilling. I went through all the emotions from excited to nervous. It was a shock but now is time to turn it on, show myself in the best light and be confident.”
If Borthwick was still pondering whether to include the 22-year old Beard last weekend, the centre’s display against Cardiff at the Arms Park in the Champions Cup would have settled it. Up against the experienced Rey Lee-Lo, Beard’s hard and elusive running shredded the home defence and he scored one of his side’s eight tries.
This story is from the January 21, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 21, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport – which I still do – it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFF’S last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed ‘the Diamond derby’.