Young Gun: Tom Dodd – Scotland U20s back-rower

Tom Dodd went to school in England and he's playing his club rugby in Worcester but it was also a “natural choice” to throw his hat in for Scotland U20s selection this season.
The former Warwick School pupil joined the Warriors academy full-time at the start of the season having played for England Counties U18s last season but he was also involved with the Scottish Exiles programme and Rob Brierley asked him if he wanted to trial for the U20s squad ahead of the Six Nations and the World Cup in Georgia next summer.
With his mother Vanessa being a full-blooded Scot, it proved an easy decision for 19-year-old Dodd who is looking forward to joining up with the rest of the squad tonight ahead of a three-day camp in Edinburgh.
“My mum was born and raised in Scotland so I've got Scottish blood in me,” he told The Rugby Paper. “I enjoyed playing for England last season but Scotland is in my blood, too, so it was quite a natural choice for me in the end when Rob got in touch.
“Looking at my future, playing for Scotland U20s won't impact on my chances of making it at Worcester as I won't be tied to Scotland in terms or international eligibility. I'll still remain English-qualified which made my decision easier.
“I played in a trial game with Scotland U19s against Georgia U20s at the end of November which went well as I scored a try despite us losing 21-17.
“The home-based players had a camp a couple of weeks ago but the exiled players will be involved this time around. I'll be in Edinburgh for the camp at the start of the week but I should be back in Worcester on Wednesday.
“I'm in the Six Nations squad but, hopefully, I can make the match day squad and make my debut in the Six Nations.”
Fresh from leaving school last summer, Dodd has been training with the Warriors first team but he is getting most of his game time in National League Two North with Luctionians and he is reaping huge benefits from it.
He added: “I've played 14 games so far this season. Most of them were for Luctionians which has been great for my development.
“I wouldn't say schools rugby is easy as such but it's nice to play against bigger and stronger players. It's a big challenge for me and I remember wondering whether I was actually good enough as I was struggling during my first game.
“But I stuck at it and working closely with the coaches in the academy all week gave me a lot of things to focus on in order to improve.
“I'm looking to put on a bit of weight to cut it at senior level but playing is the best thing for me and I'm learning all the time playing in National League Two.
“There's a great atmosphere in the Warriors academy and seeing guys like Jamie Shillcock, who I played with at school, now in the first team is only driving me and the other lads to push for selection, too.”