Local rugby ace Graham Kitchener has been tipped for a glittering future as a full England international by his widely respected club coach.
Baschurch-based Kitchener, 19, has made an eye-catching breakthrough to first team rugby with Worcester Warriors this season.
And his club coach Mike Ruddock has been so impressed with his performances that he has no doubts Kitchener, who was introduced to the game as a youngster at Shrewsbury Rugby Club, has all the attributes to play at the highest level.
“You’ve only got to look at someone like Graham Kitchener,” said Ruddock, the former Wales boss. “He’s in the England under-20s already this season, he’s played under age all the way through and I predict here and now that he will go on to play for England.”
It’s a glowing endorsement of Kitchener’s qualities with the towering lock now an important member of a star-studded Worcester squad alongside the likes of Australian international ace Chris Latham and Kiwi star Rico Gear.
Kitchener marked his full debut for Warriors with a try in the victory over London Irish in the EDF Energy Cup at Sixfields in October, a game watched by England team manager Martin Johnson.
He has since clocked up a Guinness Premiership appearance against Harlequins and also stepped onto the European stage with three outings for Worcester in the European Challenge Cup.
Kitchener lined up against Petracra Padova in Italy and Bururesti Oaks in Romania and also played a part in helping the Warriors overcome French outfit Bourgoin at Sixfields.
Kitchener’s future is in safe hands under Ruddock at Worcester. The club’s academy is well renowned, with Ruddock admitting he would love to field more home grown players in his regular first XV.
“I’ve played more than I expected so far,” said a delighted Kitchener. “I’ve had some good feedback from the coaches and they seem reasonably pleased with me so it’s going well. The coaches here are excellent and they treat everyone equally.”
Kitchener now hopes to be involved with England under-20s for their Six Nations campaign which begins at his home ground Sixways against Italy on February 6.
