England Under 20s

Dominic Barrow

Key Facts

Squad	Leeds Carnegie
Position	Lock/Back row
Age	20
Height	2.03m (6'8")
Weight	120kg (18st 12lb)
Caps	U20: 17

Not many moments are more magical than launching an England victory over Australia with the opening try. Dominic Barrow did exactly that after 18 minutes of the 30-28 win at U18 level at Heywood Road, Sale in December 2009.

He followed it with a second try in the 33-16 victory over France at Newbury three months later and played in all seven subsequent matches against Italy, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, a Namibia Invitation XV, France and South Africa.

Dominic went on to lead England U18 to a 29-12 win over Ireland at Donnybrook in December 2010 and not only captained the side in the 64-0 win over Italy U19 at Sale the following February but also scored two of England’s nine tries.

His fourth consecutive game in charge brought a 38-34 win over Wales FIRA/AER Championship semi-final at Auch that April and he led the team beaten 17-8 by Ireland in final at Tarbes. He captained the side on their invincible tour of Australia in August 2011, made his England U20 debut as a flanker against Wales at Twickenham Stoop in February 2012 and by early April this year had made 23 senior appearances for Leeds Carnegie. His debut was in the LV=Cup against the Scarlets.

Sheffield-born, he studied for A-levels in English language, biology and psychology at Prince Henry’s GS in Otley where England scrum half Danny Care was a pupil and is now reading for the LLB (Hons) degree in Law – distance learning – at Northumbria University. He was also on loan to Otley in 2010-11.

After captaining England U16, he toured South Africa with the U18 squad in 2009 and appeared against Boland and Western Province at the age of 16, having also won representative honours for Yorkshire U15 and U16 and the North U16, a side he also led.

Dominic was previously with Stocksbridge, where he played from the age of nine to 11 before switching to the Barnsley club from 2005-08. He subsequently joined Carnegie for whom he made his A team debut against RGC 1404, the new North Wales regional side.

Educated at Oughtibridge Primary and Bradfield Secondary School, he is a sporting all rounder, having been with the Manchester United and Barnsley Football Academies, received an invitation to join the National Lacrosse Academy and run cross country for Hallamshire Harriers. His favourite relaxations nowadays are watching sport and films, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

He acknowledges the coaching support at his former South Yorkshire clubs, together with that of Mark Luffman, the Leeds Academy manager and England pair John Fletcher and Peter Walton. Dominic said: “I admire Tom Croft’s dynamism, Sean O’Brien’s outstanding ball-carrying capability for Ireland and Martin Johnson for uncompromising leadership. Also, Jonny Wilkinson for his incredible attitude and dedication.

“My three most memorable matches were two England U18 wins over Australia – in 2009 and this year. I scored a try in both. My home debut for Leeds in September was special, too, because we beat Bristol 12-11. My aim is to captain England and the British & Irish Lions, be the best I can and become recognised as the top player in world rugby.

“I enjoy playing in hostile environments where it’s backs against the wall and everyone is against you. So I enjoy playing at Sardis Road, Pontypridd or in France. I feel it raises my game and I like aggression and edge in my game.”