Young Gun: Elias Caven – Bristol wing

Elias Caven spent the end of last season in New Zealand but the flying wing is now back in Bristol ready to push on with an eye on the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
Joining the club's academy from Filton College at the start of last season, the 19-year-old made some appearances in the A-League but was dual-regisered with Clifton in National League Two and that's where he got most of his game time.
That was until March when he was offered the chance to go to New Zealand to link up with Division One club Sumner, in the Canterbury region.
He returned three months later and, having started pre-season with the first team at Bristol, he now feels a more rounded player.
“Going to New Zealand was great for me,” he told The Rugby Paper. “It was good to experience the way they see and play rugby over there.
“Sumner played at a very good level and they played a game I really enjoy as they like to throw the ball around a lot.
“We had a few training sessions with former All Black flanker Scott Robertson and my skill levels have gone through the roof.
“It was great to see how important skill training is considered there compared to Europe. They work on the set piece but as long as the players' skills are up to the highest standards they're happy.
“My speed and finishing skills are my main strength but I'm working a lot with Tom Varndell to make sure I'm as good as I can be.
“He's really keen to help out and I'm more than happy to learn from someone like him who's done so much in his career.”
Caven kicked off his season last week when he turned out for the West Country outfit in the Premiership Sevens.
It gave him the chance to show what he's learnt in New Zealand and he now hopes to remain in contention for places when the season starts.
He added: “It was good to get a run out in the Premiership Sevens to show the coaches what I can do early in the season. Hopefully I can keep my name in the hat when it comes to selection in the A-League or even the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
“It's great to have the Cup back this season because it gives a lot of youngsters the opportunity to play against very experienced players without having as much pressure as in the Premiership.
“The Premiership might be a step too far for me this season but who knows? If I manage to stay fit and perform whenever I'm asked to play, maybe an opportunity will come my way. I certainly wouldn't turn it down.”