Running Free[man]

Northampton Saints and England back Tommy Freeman is proving versatility is no obstacle to success after starring under Steve Borthwick during the Six Nations

- JOSH GRAHAM

TOO VERSATILE for your own good. Jack of all trades, master of none. It’s an age-old warning and one that was often hurled at Austin Healey, the former England back who is now a TNT Sports pundit.

But while Healey repeatedly knocked back the claims that his ability to deputise almost everywhere in the back-line was more of a hindrance than a help, England’s latest winger, Tommy Freeman, leans right into it.

Having shown his undoubted ability across the back three in recent years, Freeman has had a run of games at 13 for Northampton Saints this season. The aim: to get his hands on the ball more often. Given Saints are top of the Premiership and Freeman has come storming back into the England squad, it’s fair to say it has been nothing short of a resounding success.

“I remember when I was younger, a teacher said to me: ‘Don’t be the No 23 or the one that can play all the positions. But I think it bodes well for me and this England team,” Freeman tells RW.

“I think having the cover to play those positions, and be as strong as anyone in those positions, will definitely help with selection and help me moving forward.

“Even if it doesn’t, it helps me with my game in general, picking up cues from a winger’s perspective for a centre and then vice versa. I’m happy with it. I don’t think it’s going to hold me back. I think it’s going to help me if anything.”