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Anthony Watson: 'My favourite thing about Leicester so far...'
By Liam Heagney
Fit-again England back Anthony Watson has revealed his favourite thing so far at Leicester since his summer switch to the Gallagher Premiership champions after nine seasons at Bath. The 28-year-old suffered an ACL rupture last October in what turned out to be his last appearance at The Rec before linking up with Steve Borthwick’s Tigers.
Now fully rehabbed and looking to ultimately forced his way back into the reckoning with England where he has been capped 51 times, the 2021 and 2017 Lions tourist made his Leicester debut as the starting full-back in last Friday’s 35-26 pre-season win at Jersey.
Watson has now spoken about his first impressions at Leicester, the third Premiership club he has played for as his career started at London Irish before moved on to Bath.
Asked on the Leicester Tigers TV series Under The Stripes about how he has settled in at Oval Park, he said: “My favourite thing about the club so far has probably been the intensity from the start. It’s very clear in terms of what is expected of you and the intensity is right up there. I have loved that.”
Watson also explained his satisfaction at the messages coming from head coach Borthwick, whom he previously encountered when the Leicester boss worked as one of Eddie Jones’ England assistants.
“I was lucky enough to work with Steve in England so I kind of knew-ish what to expect. He is very clear in what he expects from people and he is straight talking which is class as are his ideas as a director of rugby,” said Watson, who added that his career highlight was the success England enjoyed in their first season under Jones.
“The career highlight I am most proud of is the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam just because of what happened at the World Cup beforehand. Everyone was expecting us to be a flop in that Six Nations and we went and won the Grand Slam.”
Watson rounded off his maiden Leicester interview by naming the players he is closest to so far at Tigers. “The closest teammate in the squad is probably Freddie Burns or Ben Youngs but Kini (Murimurivalu) is right up there, he has given me entertainment on a daily basis. I love that guy.”
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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