England prospect ‘ready’ for Test debut after admitting Six Nations would have been a ‘rush’
Noah Caluori believes that he is ready for an England call up
Young Saracens sensation Noah Caluori has claimed that he’s ready for international action, calling it a “good time” for an England call-up.
The 19-year-old has been one of the standout stars in the PREM this season, scoring 18 tries in just 10 games, including two five-try efforts against Sale Sharks, as he chases Sam Simmonds’ record of 20 tries in a single season.
“I feel like now is a good time [to play international rugby],” he told the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast this week.
“I feel like I would back myself if I got put into that environment, if I got put into the team. I would be happy to go on the tour.”
“Six Nations would have been a bit of a rush”
He was still playing age-grade international rugby early this year, but such has been his progression in recent months, it’s now a matter of time before he receives full international honours.
“Maybe the autumn or the Six Nations would have been a bit of a rush,” Caluori said, reflecting on his time training with the senior squad and playing for the England A side (formerly Saxons).
“But I feel like I got handled well during the autumn and the Six Nations, putting me into England ‘A’ to experience that level as well as enjoying my time with the Under-20s, and going on a bit of a physical development plan was good.
“If I were to play earlier this year, it would have been a rush, but now is a good time, especially experiencing this run-in with everything on the line for Saracens. It shows how [critical] every result is, and that’s similar to a Test match game.
“I’ve had some comms [with Steve Borthwick], we’ve had a chat, and I’m just focused on playing my best rugby from now until the end of the season.”
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.
Israel Dagg slams ‘ridiculous’ Richie Mo’unga stance as NZ Rugby continue to ‘get in their own way’
“I’m trying to enjoy it”
Caluori has made a major impact on Saracens’ campaign this season, with his aerial abilities greatly utilised by the club’s kickers.
Despite the growing reliance on the younger wingers’ talents, he remains relaxed.
“I feel like the most pressure that will come on me is maybe internalised pressure,” he noted.
“And I’ve dealt with that pretty well and then spoken to people to help me with it, so I can just focus on being the best team-mate and the best person on the pitch I can be.
“But I feel like I’m handling everything pretty well. I’m trying to enjoy it.”
Saracens are currently chasing a playoff spot but face stiff opposition from Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs, the latter of whom secured an impressive bonus victory over Bath at the weekend.
England are set to announce their Nations Championship squad in the coming weeks, and there is every possibility the record-chasing star could be involved in Steve Borthwick’s plans.