- Ben Foden speaks exclusively to RFU TV about his conversion to a full time 15
- Saints star says full back plays to his strengths
England star Ben Foden chats exclusively to RFU TV about his conversion to full back under the tutelage of Northampton coach Jim Mallinder.
Foden moved from Sale Sharks to Franklin’s Gardens in 2008 – essentially to get more game time as a scrum half – and now finds himself in the England Senior EPS as a full back.
"If someone asks I’m a full back – who can cover nine," Foden said.
"It was my performances at 15 that put my hand up for selection [for England] so I took it on myself and decided that my predominant position would be full back.
"I like the freedom you get from running the ball back and I’m quite an instinctive player – if I see a hole I go for it and I can spot weaker defenders such as forwards in the back line so I think it plays to my strengths.
"I had a lot to learn but Jim Mallinder was a great full back so he was the perfect person to teach me as I came through the ranks at Northampton."
Foden, who brought impact off the bench in the defeat to Ireland, also reveals the origins of his Pop Idol nickname and says there are a few singers in the England camp.
He said: "Danny Care is quite a keen singer and Riki Flutey is pretty handy, he can hold a note, but I’m not sure if he’s our style of music – he’s a bit more soul."