RISING STARS

I started when I was 13.

- JOE HARVEY

HAINEALA LUTUI

How did you get into rugby? At first, I wasn’t interested. I was a bit of a wimp and didn’t like contact, so I played netball. Then a friend invited me to a session at Worcester RFC and after that I never stopped. My dad (ex-Tonga hooker Aleki Lutui) loved it and would take me to the field near our house to do rugby training. Even now when I go home I'll do some rugby training with him.

Why did you choose to play rugby? I used to play netball quite seriously but I just liked rugby more. I liked being able to run with the ball, running over people, all that kind of stuff. I had more freedom.

What positions did you play? At U13s, scrums were uncontested and I was pushed to hooker. I was tall for my age and it looked weird because I had two people much shorter at prop.

I played a bit of prop too, even in Worcester's centre of excellence, but it didn't last.

When was your first rep game for England? It was in the U18 Six Nations against Scotland. It was so exciting. The whole experience felt so cool, wearing the rose and having my family watching.

Who was your hero growing up? I've always looked up to Michael Jordan since seeing the Netflix documentary The Last Dance. I admire the way he always pushed himself.

The biggest strength in your game? When I get my head down I can be a powerful player. I like to carry hard, make offloads and make big tackles.