Piers O’Conor Called Up For England v Barbarians
Huge congratulations to Old Eastbournian, Piers O’Conor, who has been picked for the England XV rugby squad versus Barbarians this Sunday at Twickenham.
England’s head coach Jim Mallinder, who recently succeeded the legendary Eddie Jones, announced his 23-strong squad on Bank Holiday Monday just under a week before the Quilter Cup match on Sunday 2 June.
Piers will join the likes of Ben Loader (London Irish) and his Bristol Bears team mate Callum Sheedy in the midfield line-up.
PIERS O’CONOR’S PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
- Started rugby at the age of seven at Cumnor House School
- Played for several clubs in Sussex, including Heathfield and Waldron RFC in 2012 where he played alongside Eastbourne College pupils Isaac Brown, Rory Cramp, Robert Flett and James Higgins in the U18 squad. During his final season at Heathfield, Piers helped to bring his team back from 15-31 down to take the Sussex Colts Premiere League title 36-31
- Received his full colours for outstanding contributions to sport at Eastbourne College, where he was guided by Russell Earnshaw, the former Bath flanker and England Sevens coach
- Selected to attend the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) National Age Grade Talent Camp in Belfast and was subsequently selected to play for Ireland U19 versus Australia
- Signed two-year contract with Wasps and made his debut in the LV Cup against Sale
- Progressed from Wasps Junior Academy to Wasps Senior Academy, one of only six players to do so for the 2014 / 15 season
- Selected for the England U20 squad for the U20 Six Nations Championship
- He first appeared for England U20 as full back against Wales at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, and scored a stunning long-range try in the 19-14 win over Ireland at Donnybrook three weeks later. He went on to win ten caps for England U20 that year
- Contracts for professional league clubs include: Wasps (Gallagher Premiership); Bedford Blues (RFU Championship); Ealing Trailfinders (RFU Championship); Bristol Bears (his current Premiership club)
- Called up for England v Barbarians
Once again, congratulations to Piers, we wish him every success in the match on Sunday.
England Women will play the Barbarians Women earlier on Sunday, kicking off at 12.45 pm
Tickets for the Barbarians double-header are available from £20 for adults and £10 for juniors – book yours here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/EDP/Event/Index/2439
