England Under 20s

Ben Howard

Key Facts

Squad	Worcester Warriors
Position	Full back/Wing
Age	20
Height	1.95m (6'5")
Weight	95kg (14st 13lb)
Caps	U20: 5

Playing in every Six Nations match this year gave Ben Howard‘s international career an impressive lift off. He had not previously worn an England jersey at any level, his highest honours having been for Warwickshire U16 and U18.

Ben started the first four matches against Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy either at full back or on the wing and played off the bench when England clinched the title with a 28-15 win over Wales at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay in late March.

A member of the Worcester Warriors Academy, he played for Bromsgrove on loan last season and joined Rotherham Titans on a similar basis last December. His Worcester first team debut was against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road and he has also appeared in the Amlin Challenge Cup and LV=Cup.

Bradford-born, he first played at Sandal RFC when six, attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, became vice-captain of Warwick School, and was with Stratford RFC until the age of 13. Ben was in the same age group sides at Stratford as England U20 squadmate Tom Price – they first played together when eight years old. He has deferred a place at Bath University where he will study politics and “hopes to work towards a successful career in either law or business once I have finished playing”.

Ben toured Australia and New Zealand with Warwick School in 2008 and South Africa two years later. He said: “They were unforgettable experiences. I really enjoyed playing the game in a different environment and staying with host families.”

He also represented Warwickshire U12-14 at cricket and the county at athletics (hurdles) at U15 level. His mentors past and present are Mark Nasey, the director of rugby at Warwick School while Gary Meechan and Mark Hewitt have helped to develop his skills at Worcester.

Ben’s father Chris played for England Colts, Bristol, Rugby Lions and the South West and his great grandfather Ted Fenton played football for West Ham United (1932-41) and then managed the club (1950-61). He had also appeared in war-time internationals for England.

He added: “I admire Jonny Wilkinson for his hard work and dedication towards being the best player he can possibly be. In my own position, I am impressed with Israel Dagg for the way he runs with the ball and for his ability to beat a defender one on one.”