England: Gloucester boss issues warning over ‘fast-tracking’ starlet into Steve Borthwick’s Test squad
George Skivington has called for caution over starlet Afolabi Fasogbon
Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington has called for caution over “fast-tracking” breakthrough star Afolabi Fasogbon into the England squad too quickly, stating he is “still a young man”.
The tighthead prop burst onto the scene with the victorious England U20 side this summer, and has hit the ground running in the Premiership too with three solid performances, including an 80-minute shift against Sale last weekend.
Skivington calls for cautious approach over Fasogbon
Following his showings against Saracens, Bristol and Sale, Fasogbon has seen his name thrust into the England conversation ahead of the Autumn Nations Series, and Skivington said he’s had conversations with England boss Steve Borthwick about the young tighthead prop.
“I think when you look at English tightheads, there is a route for Afo (Fasogbon) to get there,” Skivington told members of the media. “I have talked to Steve (Borthwick) about him, and I think he’ll get there. I hope he gets there; but there’s always a balance.”
Whilst he revealed Fasogbon is attracting interest from Borthwick, Skivington also detailed his desire to see a more cautious approach applied towards his player, who is still in the early stages of his Premiership career with the Gloucester.
“He’s a good kid, he’s diligent, he’s going to be a good rugby player. There’s always a danger of fast-tracking, as he’s still a young man; but there’s no harm in saying I think he could play for England, but I wouldn’t throw him out there right now though,” he said.
Skivington added: “There’s obviously a big step up from Premiership to international, and Afo’s played three Premiership games. We’ve got to be careful with what we put on him, but the signs are all positive.”
The 20-year-old already has 16 U20 caps to his name following his debut back in 2023, and has helped his country win back-to-back U20 Six Nations titles and the coveted World Rugby U20 Championship too.
He has also featured for both London Irish and Gloucester in the Premiership Rugby Cup, but only made his full Premiership debut in the round one defeat to Saracens.
READ NEXT: Premiership power rankings: Gloucester and Harlequins drop down the ladder as new leader confirmed
