'Experiencing different routes' has readied George Pearson for Under-20s bow
Pearson featured in Tigers' last three Premiership Cup games and has played in National One for Leicester Lions this term
©LeicesterTigers/Dave Wainwright
England’s Under-20s are two from two in the 2025 Six Nations and will aim for a hat-trick of wins when they take on Scotland on Friday.
Boss Mark Mapletoft has made five changes to the side that beat France 27-10 a fortnight ago and one of these comes at full-back in the form of debutant George Pearson.
The 19-year-old is excited to seize the opportunity and told Talking Rugby Union: “I’m really buzzing for it. It’s a very big moment obviously a big step forward, a little bit nervous as it’s a big game, probably the biggest I’ve played in but for the majority, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Pearson has already been ticking off other ‘big moments’ this term having featured for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup, and the back three player even scored a brace of tries against Nottingham two weeks ago.
“The Under-20s is the most similar to it (the Premiership Rugby Cup)” he adds.
“The Under-20s is the most similar to it (the Premiership Rugby Cup)” he adds. “Obviously, it’s very fast and physical as well as it’s against fully grown men. Then the experience of players who have been playing for years benefits you as well when you are training with them day in, day out and gaining knowledge from them.”
And it is not just towards the top of the game where Pearson has adjusted and picked up some learnings from the environment he is in.
The emerging talent has played for National One club Leicester Lions this season, making six appearances for the Midlands outfit.
“My first men’s game, if you like, was for Lions [vs Bishop’s Stortford]. What was very noticeable [was the difference] in the physicality from college and schoolboys games to that. It was huge.
“My backfield understanding [has also improved] as different sides play with different styles so getting experience of different routes you can take and being able to be flexible and adaptable in different teams is something I have also learnt.”
After six successive games in National One - including a try against high-flying Rams RFC - Pearson jumped into Premiership Cup action in November and has resumed his involvement in the competition over the last few weeks.
And being in the Tigers set-up is something he, of course, relishes especially as Pearson gets to learn off two of his rugby idols: “I watched Mike Brown growing up and then in more recent years Freddie Steward in that England shirt and for Tigers.
“It’s almost the best scenario in that I have got two of the people I watched, and they are there to help me and I am able to ask them questions.
“They’ve been a huge help already and even when I’m not directly speaking to them, I am still learning off them in training, seeing where they are, what comms they are giving to their wingers for example, and you can pick it up and add it to your game.”
Pearson is keen to take further opportunities that may arise with Leicester in the remainder of the season but for now, he is ready to turn his attention to starting for an England Under-20s side that haven’t lost a Six Nations game for almost two years.
“Everyone is really positive for this week,” concludes Pearson, who has also represented England at U18 level. “Coming off two wins, it’s about making sure we show clarity and run all of our moves and put some points on Scotland.”
A third victory for Mark Mapletoft’s side at Newcastle’s Kingston Park on Friday night would keep England firmly on course to retain their title, and it would also contribute to the continued progression of emerging talent George Pearson.
