England star not ‘forcing’ position switch as key factors behind move outlined
England centre Tommy Freeman (pictured) insists he isn't forcing through a move to 13.
British and Irish Lions and England star Tommy Freeman insists he won’t force through a position switch to 13, but feels some new skills make this the perfect time to make the move.
Freeman previously admitted he wanted to play more in the centres this year, with England head coach Steve Borthwick understood to be keen for him to play 13 for the national side, and although he has been dipped in and out of the midfield over the past two seasons, most of his recent rugby has been with 11 or 14 on his back.
The Northampton Saints ace started all three Lions Tests matches on the wing, while all but one of his England appearances have come out wide as well.
‘Having a couple of strings to your bow always helps’
While his words earlier this year suggest he is set to taste more gametime in midfield this season, he admits he will not force anything through to fit his own demands.
“I wouldn’t say it’s dead cert and something that I’m really forcing and pushing,” said Freeman. “But having a couple of strings to your bow always helps, and you pick up cues to aid each position.
“There are good wingers, and good centres too, but if I can push each position as hard as possible, then hopefully it’ll get me on the teamsheet somewhere. If that’s at centre so be it and if it’s on the wing then happy days; it doesn’t matter for me.”
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However, he feels some new skills learned in recent months makes this a good time to make the switch on a more regular basis.
“I think a bit of size and a few skills I’ve worked on personally mean I could do some good stuff in the middle as well,” he said.
Changing between the positions is certainly easier said than done, especially on a full-time basis, but Freeman feels if he can get consistent reps in midfield across the year then it could help speed things up.
“It’s hard to switch, if I’m going to play centre at the weekend then I want reps all week there and chopping and changing. If I’m starting wing but covering centre, then that’s where I’ll have a couple of reps in there.
“It’s all about consistency, and I still back that. They’re two very different positions with very different feels on both defence and attack, but it’s all about being consistent with training time and when you’re playing.”
