Baschurch-based rugby prospect Graham Kitchener has been hailed as “a huge talent” by Worcester Warriors coach Mike Ruddock after marking his full debut for the Sixways club with a fine try.
Kitchener, who played his early rugby at Shrewsbury, has been tipped for a glittering future in the game after making a real impact for England at under-20 level.
And, having made his debut as a sub for the Warriors in their Guinness Premiership defeat at Wasps in April, the powerful lock has emerged as a regular member of Worcester’s strong squad in the early weeks of this season.
He appeared off the bench at Bath and did enough to convince Ruddock he deserved his full debut in Sunday’s EDF Energy Cup clash against London Irish.
It proved to be a memorable occasion for the talented local lad as he scored the second try of the game to help Worcester to a 22-5 victory in front of a crowd of just under 7,500, which included England team manager Martin Johnson.
“I thought the young guys making their debuts did really well,” said Ruddock, the former Wales coach. “Graham Kitchener is a huge talent and scored a great try.”
Kitchener took his place in a strong Worcester side skippered by Australian international Chris Latham and found himself on the opposing side to England hopefuls Peter Richards and Shane Geraghty.
He will now be hoping further first team chances come his way.
Nigel Redman, England’s under-20 coach, described Kitchener as “a young Simon Shaw in the making” after working with the local youngster who only turned 19 last month.
