Young Gun: George Cox – Nottingham flanker

George Cox had resigned himself to missing out on England schoolboy selection only to see his world change with one phone call.
Out of the blue, and without even being aware of the upcoming tournament, the flanker was selected to play for England U18s at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa earlier this month.
Forwards coach Peter Walton was on the line telling Cox he was to be summoned for the tournament and so he embarked on a two-day trek to the Pacific Islands.
Cox told The Rugby Paper: “I was part of the U18s training squad for a couple of months at the start of the season but I didn't quite make it. To be honest I didn't even know the tournament was coming up, let alone expect the call.”
But it was an experience he relished, although the outcome was not what England had hoped for.
“It was a bit warm in Samoa but it was such a good experience. They are rugby-mad there so the support we got was out of this world. Even walking in the street we would get people waving at us and saying hello. Our games were even announced on radio!
“The tournament itself went okay but we were disappointed to finish fourth.
“We beat Singapore and Namibia in the first two games of the pool but we lost to South Africa in the last game and they went on to win the gold medal which was hard to watch, especially as we led 14-0 at half-time.
“But Australia were a class above us in the semi-finals and we just missed out on the bronze medal in a tight game against Samoa.”
The Stamford School pupil grabbed the coaches' attention playing for the Northampton academy side that reached the last two academy finals – winning it in 2014.
He was forced to move on in the summer, but a meeting with Martin Haag brought him a professional contract at Nottingham and he is now looking to break into senior rugby with the Green and Whites.
“Northampton told me a few months back they wouldn't offer me a contract to join their academy full-time so I looked for a new club. I had a trial at Bristol which didn't lead to anything but after meeting with Martin Haag I decided to join Nottingham.
“I've been at the club for a couple of months now and I love being involved with the first team. I really enjoy getting stuck in every day and I can't wait to pull on the first team shirt in a match.
“Due to the heat in Samoa and all the running, I've lost five kilograms (11lbs) so I'm working hard to put the weight back on and be physically ready to play senior rugby.
“The British & Irish Cup is my main target but if I can impress the coaches hopefully I'll get a call up in the Championship.”
NICK VERDIER