A Star In The Making
At just 19 years of age Matt Kvesic has already achieved an awful lot in his career and it only looks to get better. The former England U18 captain is now at the forefront of Rob Hunter's England U20 squad and has broken into the first team at Worcester Warriors.
The back row dynamo, who can play at Flanker or Number 8, has made a stunning impact since forcing his way into Richard Hill's Worcester side. Scoring two tries on his debut for the Warriors made him the talk of the town, and Hill declared that he was 'delighted with him.'
His record for the England youngsters is just as promising after he went on to make the Number 8 role his own, making six consecutive starts for the U18s last season. Kvesic made the move up to the U20s in February and once again he made an instant impression. On his debut against Wales, the youngster scored two of the side's four tries in a 26-20 win, and this led to starts against Italy, France, Scotland and Ireland.
Kvesic was born to English parents in Iserlohn, Germany, where his father had been posted with the army. Kvesic's father was a successful rugby player for the army and it was no surprise that his son has followed in his footsteps.
The powerful forward took up the game at Swanage & Wareham RFC, then played at schools level for Blundell's in Tiverton, Devon, attended a Year 8 camp and was spotted by Worcester Warriors.
Although Kvesic became a successful rugby player at such a young age, he still focused on finishing his A Levels, which he achieved in Physical Education, Biology and Business Studies at Worcester Six Form College. The talented youngster admitted that if he didn't get into a rugby he would like to be a P.E. teacher, as his love of sport is so strong.
It wasn't long before he was the name on everyone's lips when he became the youngest player to ever represent the Warriors against Scarlets in the LV=Cup. Since this point Kvesic has never looked back, as he forced his way into the Warriors first team towards the end of their Championship winning season.
His five tires from 13 apperaences last season was a great effort, and with the Warriors preparing for a new era in the Aviva Premiership, we may get to see Kvesic show his true ability against some of the best players in the world.
There is no doubt that Hill is encouraged by this rising star and this is a view shared by Warriors fans, as many feel he is a future star in the making. Kvesic was named the Young Player-of-the-Year at the Warriors End-of-Season awards in 2011, which shows how much of an impact he has made.
"I think he is an outstading young talent and he is ready for the Premiership, said Hill.
He added: "He's hard working, dedicated, very whole-hearted and committed. When he goes onto the field he will play his heart out.
"You want young talent coming through your club and Matt Kvesic is one of these people because you know he will give absolutely 100 percent full commitment.
Kvesic has heaped prasie on the Warriors academy and admitted he looks up to some of the talent that have progressed from the same place.
He said: "I admire Worcester products Matt Mullen and Tom Wood who is now with Northampton, who have come through the academy. What they have achieved shows it is possible to make it as a professional rugby player.
"The Worcester Academy managers Andrew Stanley and Gary Meechan have been brilliant and are my mentors.
The new season will give us a good idea of how good this youngster really is, but if his current performances and praise is anything to by, then we may be looking at one of the brightest stars in the game.
