Mullan: Exuberant youngsters raising the bar for Eddie’s England

Since making his debut in 2010, Wasps prop Matt Mullan has won nine caps for England and just missed out on selection for England’s Rugby World Cup squad. With Eddie Jones now at the helm, Mullan is once again involved with England as part of the wider Six Nations squad.

With the World Cup debacle firmly behind them, England are focused on a new era of success under new head coach Jones. Having been called up for the first time since missing out on the World Cup, Mullan is thoroughly enjoying his involvement in this year’s Championship.

“It’s brilliant,” he states. “Whenever a new coach comes in everybody’s starting on the same level. There was a bit of uncertainty in terms of who was going to get named in that squad but to see your name in there is really exciting; you feel rewarded for your club performances.”

Mullan came through the Worcester Warriors Academy before making his first team debut in 2005. His England debut came with Martin Johnson in charge, before appearances for Stuart Lancaster followed. Much has been made of Eddie Jones’ tough approach to coaching, but it seems that Mullan is impressed by his coaching regime.

“It’s been really good. I’d heard things through George Smith at Wasps who knew him really well [from Jones’ days as Australia coach] and spoke really highly of him. I can’t disagree with anything George has said. He expects hard work and he will tell you if he’s not getting it! Equally, he will say if you’re doing well.”

The start of this season’s Six Nations Championship has seen England secure two wins from two, both away from home, against Scotland and then Italy. It has not been all singing all dancing, but Mullan is content with where the new England are.

“We would have settled with two from two; we are happy with that,” says Mullan, who also feels the team have reason to be in a positive frame of mind ahead of playing Ireland on Saturday.

“I think you take confidence from getting two wins. There are areas to work on; we don’t think we’re the finished article yet and there are some tougher tests ahead. We know there’s going to be a switch in focus for preparing for Ireland.”

In naming his first England EPS, Jones has introduced a number of young players into the senior squad, including the likes of Jack Clifford, Maro Itoje and Josh Beaumont and Mullan is positive about the future of the side.

“It’s good because it shows that Eddie is prepared to pick players that are playing well in the Premiership. New players are full of exuberance and energy, and I think that just adds to the squad. You see them pushing other boys hard in training and I think it’s going to push standards across the board.”

Despite his six-year involvement with England, Mullan’s opportunities have been limited especially since the emergence of Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola as England’s premier looseheads. When asked about what improvements he can make to his game, Mullan coyly insists that playing well at Wasps is his only focus.

“For me, it’s all about whenever I get an opportunity to play at Wasps. Until Eddie asks me to play for England, I’ve just got to put my best foot forward and try to play out of my skin and show him what he’s asking from me at club level. Whenever you come into camp you’re always trying to show that you’re ready to take that step up.”

Mullan’s move to Wasps came after eight seasons at Worcester Warriors, and before that he played rugby whilst a pupil at Bromsgrove School. Last season Bromsgrove beat three-time champions Dulwich College in the final of the Natwest Schools Cup – a competition that Mullan found valuable.

“It’s fantastic, as you’re able to play with your friends and learn about team work and sacrifice. It seems like the biggest thing at the time but you look back with hugely fond memories and you’ve got friends to this day that you formed when you were playing rugby at school. I think it’s a great start for anybody that’s serious about trying to play rugby after school.”

Like most players, Mullan’s desire to make rugby his life was discovered at a young age. One of the turning points in his own career came when participating in the Schools Cup.

“My most memorable moment was when I played in an Under 15s Cup game. It was a quarter final away at Bradford Grammar School and they brought the whole school out to watch. We didn’t quite win; I think it was a two point loss.

“I remember the feeling in the changing room after, having thought we were a good team and having given our all; just losing made me realise that I really wanted to have a future in rugby.”

Mullan won’t be featuring this weekend for England against Ireland, but with the lessons learned in schools rugby firmly embedded into his character, it will surprise no-one if he adds to his nine caps at some point under Eddie Jones.

By Sophie Freestone

Matt Mullan was speaking on behalf of England Rugby and official partner NatWest, proud supporters of school rugby. As a part of the NatWest Schools Cup 2016 30 school players are being offered the chance to attend an Academy Day at England’s training base. Follow NatWest Rugby on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news.