ABOUT six years ago Nick Johnston came across a towering young lock with enough raw talent and physical ability to suggest he could go far in the game.
His name was Courtney Lawes who has gone on to become a big player for Northampton Saints and England.
Now Warriors’ high performance director, who made the switch from Franklin’s Gardens to Sixways in 2013, has stumbled upon another giant second row with immense power and potential.
His name might be less familiar at the moment, but Johnston believes Christian Scotland-Williamson, who stands at 6ft 8in and weighs 123kg, has all the tools to follow in the footsteps of Lawes.
“In some ways there are similarities (between Christian and Courtney) – and I mean that in terms of size of body and long limb and leavers,” he said.
“Courtney is quite a way ahead in terms of playing because of time, but he was also someone who was pretty late into the game. He learnt pretty quickly that he had to be diligent, so he got his head down and worked hard. That hasn’t done him any harm, has it?
“I have painted that same picture to Christian. You get your set-backs because of your size and your body does not quite grow at the same rate so some things may seem out of kilter.
“But we have told him that we have been through this with lads like Courtney.”
A back injury has forced Scotland-Williamson, who joined Worcester’s academy in the summer after finishing his degree at Loughborough University, for most of this season.
However, Johnston admitted his absence on the playing field has given his strength and conditioning team time to develop the lock’s imposing physique.
Scotland-Williamson made his return to action for Worcester Cavaliers last week and Johnston said it was now up to the 21-year-old to fulfil his growing potential.
“Who knows how good he could be?,” he said. “He could potentially be as good as Courtney.
“He certainly has a massive amount of potential. But I am not going to nail my colours to the mast just yet.
“I have worked with a few who have come through with that sort of stature and he is up there with them.
“It’s up to him now to kick on. He is a very diligent and intelligent boy who likes to know how he is doing, so from that point of view if he continues in that vein who knows what the ceiling could be for Christian because he is so naturally gifted.
“Let’s just hope he goes on to become a human wrecking ball in the Premiership.”