Owain James is still coming to terms with mixing it up alongside his idols at training, but next week he will have to do it on the big stage in the Premiership Sevens at the Ricoh Arena.
The senior academy full-back, 18, who left Harrow School only a few weeks ago, is one of two academy players along with Conor Dolan named in a squad that includes Christian Wade and Elliot Daly.
To add to the pressure on his young shoulders he has the task of following in the footsteps of fellow Harrow alumni Billy Vunipola and Maro Itoje.
“I can't wait for the Premiership Sevens,” James told The Rugby Paper. “The coaches have named a very strong provisional squad, with Christian and Elliot in the backs so it should be good fun trying to keep up with them.
“It's weird to play next to guys I used to watch on TV when I was at school.
“In 2013, I was in Australia to watch the last Lions Test against Australia and now I have the opportunity to learn from players like Wallaby George Smith at the club. Sometimes you stop and think, ‘Is this really happening?'
“Billy and Maro have done great things since leaving the school which adds a bit of pressure on me but I'm looking forward to the challenge.”
James was coached by his dad John through his early years while playing for London Welsh before he moved to Wasps aged 12 and joined Harrow the following year.
As soon as his A-Levels were over in June James linked up with Wasps to train alongside the first team and he is now looking to make the best of his opportunity.
But professional rugby is tough on the body, even for an 18-year-old who is used to play two or three school games a week.
He added: “Pre-season is going great so far but my body is feeling it and I have had to slow down a bit this week with the S&C guys and physios managing my training loads.
“It's tough to be pulled out of training when you want to impress the coaches but, with the Sevens coming up, it was the wisest decision.
“I didn't have much time off as I linked up with the first team straight after my exams. But it's a great opportunity for me and that gives me the chance to be seen by the coaches.
“I played in every position except scrum-half over the past three seasons so it's been a bit tricky for me to master one position.
“I see myself as a full-back first and foremost but Wasps think I could maybe play at outside centre so I'll have to see.
“Being versatile is great to first break into the team but it can also mean you're a good bench player. So I'll have to settle down in one position and I think full-back could be the one.
“The club has stuck by me for so long now I really want to repay their faith and give everything I've got to eventually one day pull on the first team shirt in the Premiership.”
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