Kent Schoolboy Represents England

In March Harry Allen of Hurstmere School and Sidcup and Saracens and Blackheath Rugby Clubs played at tight head prop for England in the Four Nations Tournament in Lyon, France. England had to work very hard, playing two Games against older players. After a first half against Wales that put the result apparently beyond doubt with a 17 point lead, some naivety allowed the Welsh boys to eat away at the advantage and win with the last kick of the game. Against Italy the team again put points on the board in the first half but could not improve the tally after that and won 12-3, and another first half pounding of the host nation could not be built on and the French scored in the 10th minute of added time to draw the game. Tim Bennet, England forwards coach was delighted with Harry’s performance. “Harry worked impressively around the pitch and always gave the loose head a very difficult time.”

(extract from In Touch, Kent County RFU Newsletter Spring 2008)