Ryan tells Shillcock to 'just enjoy it' - The Worcester Observer

Ryan tells Shillcock to 'just enjoy it'

Worcester Editorial 14th May, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan says he has ‘no doubts’ teenager Jamie Shillcock would rise to the occasion if selected to face Bristol in the Greene King IPA Championship play-off final.

The promising scrum half, who attends Warwick School, has suddenly found himself thrust into the limelight after Charlie Mulchrone and Jonny Arr were both ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury and suspension respectively.

The Warriors boss admitted he knew little about Shillcock, who has represented England at under-18 level, before attack coach Sam Vesty asked him to have a look at the 17-year-old.

And Ryan said he was impressed by what has seen of Shillcock who ran out for the final five minutes of Worcester’s play-off semi-final victory over London Scottish.




“I just want the lad to enjoy himself,” Ryan said. “I wanted him on an attacking ball and  Ryan Lamb kicked for goal and put him straight on an exit play which is probably the most pressured position for a nine and I think he did really well.

“I had seen only bits of him playing at ten, but Sam (Vesty) knows him well and he has every confidence in him, so I did not have any doubts in backing him.”


Shillock’s appearance last Friday also made him the youngest player to feature in the second tier of English rugby and Ryan said he was confident he would have a bright future at the club.

“I would have preferred if Jonny Arr or Charlie were there, but this is about examining the club’s depth and it is also about preparing people to play at this level in the future,” he said.

“We have talked about trying to create something for young people like him, but he has just come in a bit earlier than we expected.

“The lad will be stronger for what he is going to be involved over the next two weeks and he will be a stronger person when he starts his career.”

Ryan said he was also impressed by how Shillcock had slotted into his side having been quickly drafted into the first team squad.

“I don’t particularly want to be talking to his headmaster, but at the moment he turns up when I want him and that’s as much as I need to know,” Ryan added.

“He has had more homework to do here in the last few days than he has probably done in the last six months.

“But he has done a good job as he has come in and I think the boys have done a great job with him.

“They have prepared him well, so if he has to come on after a minute he will do and that is what we

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