New Kid On The Block.  

Young rugby player Anthony Watson has been shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Watson, 17, is currently an England U18 International Wing or Full Back and is the youngest ever person to represent London Irish in an Aviva Premiership match, a feat he achieved against Newcastle Falcons in September this year.  Earlier this year he represented England in the FIRA U18s Championship and scored a wonderful try in the last minute against Wales to help progress England into the final.

Watson's obvious ability lies in his tremendous speed and fast feet which means that he has a side step that Quade Cooper would be proud of, a skill that earned him a place in in this year's England Rugby Sevens side which picked up the Gold Medal in the Commonwealth Youth Games on the Isle of Man.

And the reason he looks so familiar?  Anthony was tearing up the grass this February at Broadstreet RFC when he helped his school, St George's of Weybridge win their Daily Mail U18s Semi Final.  Need a quick reminder?  Check out the Youtube clips below!  The Daily Mail Cup U16s and U18s Semi Finals will once more be held at Broadstreet in February and March 2012, so if you want to see some of the brightest up and coming talent....

Anthony Watson's 2010/11 Highlights.

Anthony Watson's last minute try to turn defeat into victory.

The winner of the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year will be announced on Thursday 22nd December:  Anthony has said “It’s a massive honour to even be considered for this award.  A quick look down the list of previous winners is quite humbling and I’ve got massive respect for them all.  I’ve enjoyed my rugby this year, and to be shortlisted has really capped it off.” (interview from RFU website)

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