Under-20s Post-Match with Danny Wright

This is the second-part to a series of pre and post-match features with England under-20 lock Danny Wright. Danny is currently on loan at Cinderford from his parent club Gloucester.


Following last week’s victory over Italy on foreign soil, the England under-20s will feel slightly aggrieved at a result which clearly does not reflect the amount of control they had on the game. Although individual positives can be highlighted, the squad are well aware that this is about a collective performance.

Danny Wright, who earned his second international cap, adding to his first twelve months ago, can pick positive elements from his own game, but he is more than aware that it is the performance of the team, which is most important.

“From a forward’s point of view it was a good overall win, it was a physical game and took a lot of determination from the pack. I personally feel there were chances that went begging. We definitely need to control the game more, slow it down and let us run the show.”

The next match is against Ireland, on the 26th February, seen as perhaps the biggest challenge to the under-20s’ Six Nations campaign. But for now players will return to their respective clubs, with Danny returning to Cinderford. It’s important for any player, to have the ability to switch between domestic and international competition, without it having a detrimental effect on their game.

Although international duties are important to the young player, he is aware of the focus needed at all levels, if he is to progress.

“At this present time, I’m not saying that it [international rugby] is taking priority, but it’s meaning a bit more because you’re playing for your country and you’re away so much. But you have to be able to switch roles when you come back to your club, to still be focused and not get bigheaded. I think they are both as important as each other, but when it comes to playing for your country you can’t beat it.”

Being picked for international duty no doubt has an important effect on all of the young players, as it provides them with experience at a high level, experience that can benefit their domestic rugby.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence, coming up against teams that are a lot bigger than you and lot faster than you. I have that confidence from international rugby. I feel as though I can play against any team, at any level.”

To have the ability of switching between styles of rugby and to do it consistently is a huge ask for young players, but it is a necessity if they are to progress as professionals. The pressure and expectation is high, rightly so, and young players like Danny are aware of this.

“It can be difficult at times, but to be honest, when you’re away with England the sessions are different than they are at your club. They are short and sharp, more intense, but it’s managed well so you do get a lot of rest.

They [my club] are always expecting me to perform at my best, which I can’t blame them for. If I’m performing for England, then why shouldn’t I perform well for my club?

I used to let the pressure get to me, now I just take it in my stride. When I am playing at under-20 level, it’s against guys my age, whereas when I play for Cinderford it’s against 25, 30, 35 year old men, but there’s no reason why I shouldn’t perform for Cinderford as well.”

For Danny and the rest of the under-20 squad it is back to their club rugby, with hope that they will be selected for the next squad to face Ireland. It is a time where determination and focus will be key to their individual success.




Danny Wright is exclusively represented by Total Sport Promotions.