Harlequins flanker Jack Kenningham

Young Guns: Harlequins flanker Jack Kenningham

As a rugby-mad young season ticket holder at , Jack Kenningham became a huge admirer of as he captained the multi-coloured outfit to their one and only title in 2012 before going on to lead .

Imagine Kenningham's joy, then, when, after being inducted into the Quins academy and subsequently into training with the first team, he was able to rub shoulders with the man who helped inspire him to forge a rugby career.

The former Reeds schoolboy and RFC junior explains: “Robbo is a legend and someone I really looked up to when I was young.

“As a back row myself, he was a role model to me, so to actually be able to work alongside him and see how hard he worked, that was an eye-opener for me and something that helped me realise the work I needed to do to close the gap.

“Chris was fantastic and working with him and doing extras after training meant you just couldn't take anything for granted. He could play six or seven and that's pretty much what I do now.

“I'll play either flank and his work-rate around the park was simply inspiring. That's where I wanted to be with my fitness level, to get through the same amount of work as him, and his desire was the best. Even now, his example inspires me.”

An all-round sportsman who also swam and played cricket and hockey to a high standard, Kenningham gained much from his Richmond days.

“My dad actually played down there so it was really nice to follow him,” says Kenningham, 21. “I remember being about 13 when Steve Hill, the current first team coach, came in and took a few sessions with us, which were good.

“That was fantastic and my time at Richmond laid the foundations for me joining the Quins academy.

“Reeds helped me develop as an all-round sportsman as well and I actually think that's important, but I always loved my rugby and as I progressed through my lower sixth year into the Quins U18s, I began to believe it was a career option.”

Having won the U18s title playing alongside Marcus Smith and Cadan Murley, Kenningham's early career took a twist when, with Quins' blessing, he opted to attend University to study for a degree in Sport Performance and Health.

The move paid off and after making his first team debut against last week, Kenningham added: “Prior to lockdown last year, I played a lot of and represented England Students, while playing A-League for Quins.

“That really helped me and while the Covid situation and a couple of injuries set me back, to get my debut at Newcastle was really exciting.

“I've put a lot of effort into my work around the park, tackle count and breakdown and I'm a genuine option at the lineout. Being able to play on both flanks is something I think is a super-strength of mine and I'm looking to really kick-on now.”