changin positions

Question
hi, my name is Josh. I am currently playing second row and i play this position to very high standard. I've played for Leicester tigers academy, Midlands, Leicestershire A and England A. I recently moved to Gloucestershire where being taken on by there academy and being enrolled into a local college. I have been told i must play blind side flanker now which is a shock to the system. Although i am quite small for a second row at 6ft 3" i believe i still have some growing to do as i am only 16 still. Do you think i should scrap hope of becoming a second row and focus on being a flanker?

Answer
Hi Josh, by second row I assume you mean lock. It is strange , most people want to be flankers and not locks and you are one of the few good ones who wants the opposite! Good for you.

If the coach wants you to play flanker then play there, it is a fun and challenging position and if it means more game time then great. Ask for a lot of feed back and one on one coaching. Get a list of on field duties that your coach expects you to fulfill and get feed back at the end of  each game to help you  improve. Directly address your concerns to your coach that you feel you want to keep your locking skills fresh. Ask to be included in some scrum and line outs at training so you don't loose your edge. It will benefit you and the team should there be any injury to the locking pair during the season.

Good luck