When Steve Borthwick took over as Head Coach of Leicester Tigers back in July 2020, he inherited an in-tray of problems that was numerous, and incorporated multi facets of the club. As has been commented on by numerous different parties, this is not an easy fix and one that will take time before Leicester are back competing at the top of the table again. In recent weeks, focus has turned to the recruitment and the make up of the squad, with Borthwick stating that he feels the squad is two or three years away from where he would like it to be. Already, we have seen Taufua, Enever and Gigena leave the squad, with Lavanini set to leave in the summer. No doubt there will be more changes to come across different positions, as Borthwick evaluates his squad and moulds into more of what he would like it to look like.
One position that does not need to cause him any headaches is at scrum-half where the club look to have an ever growing roster of quality. Leicester have had a long history of quality players wearing the 9 shirt, many of which are still fondly remembered for their exploits. Of modern times, Austin Healey, Harry Ellis and currently Ben Youngs have all worn the shirt with distinction, and also represented England and the Lions whilst a Tiger. A look at the current list of 9’s indicates that this tradition is set to continue and the club is well looked after.
As already mentioned, Ben Youngs is probably the first choice once everyone is back fit and available. A man who has been a fixture in the first team for the majority of the last decade, and having made his debut at 17 years old, he has gone on to make over 250 appearances for the club, winning 4 league titles along the way. Alongside the 250 games in club colours, he has appeared over a 100 times for England, as well as being a British & Irish lion in 2013. Youngs is a stalwart of the club, and is a senior figure in the Borthwick revolution. It has been said that Tigers’ fans have not seen Youngs’ best form, which he saves for England. Personally, I feel this is unfair. It is hard to identify many players that have played to top form over the last couple of seasons. At only 31, he shows no signs of slowing down, and still has plenty of rugby still in the tank. A Ben Youngs at his best is quite simply majestic and a key component of a successful team.
Currently head deputy for Youngs whilst the International period is on is veteran Richard Wigglesworth, having arrived from Saracens before this season began. Wigglesworth brings a wealth of experience with him, as well as an impressive medal collection. A 6 time Premiership champion, as well as a European Cup winner, he has played at the highest levels the club game can offer. Wigglesworth has also gone on to represent England on 33 occasions, supplementing his mammoth 293 league appearances. He is a steady hand at the tiller whilst the International period is on, having worn the captain’s armband as well. Whilst not a flamboyant scrum-half, he is highly dependable and is capable of carrying out the game plan to the letter, a crucial quality whilst the club undergo their climb back up the table. A leader on the pitch and in the dressing room, and capable of being Borthwick’s voice on the field, his experience and know-how is a key component of the team.
Prior to the season starting, it was a commonly held view that this was a season where Ben White fully grabbed the 9 shirt for his own. Unfortunately, this has not yet happened for the 22 year old, who still has the luxury of time on his side, and high levels of potential. Despite his age, it is easy to forget how many games White has featured in for the club, having now racked up his 50th appearance for the Tigers. He has also played as captain and vice-captain, and has still featured for the team this season. White brings with him a good tempo to his passing, providing the backline with a range of quick ball. However, a common area that has featured in White’s game is his kicking. Given the current tactics that Tigers are employing, an improvement to this part of the game should see White back amongst the contenders for a place in the matchday 23. Whether White goes on to be the starting 9 or back-up is still to be seen, but if he does end up in a supporting role, it should still be remembered – that for every Austin Healey there is a Jamie Hamilton. For every Harry Ellis there is a Scott Bemand. And for every Ben Youngs, there is a Sam Harrison. A strong replacement is just as important as a strong starter, and is a key element of every successful Tigers’ side.
The main cause for White not getting as much game time this season, has come in the form of 19 year old Jack Van Poortvliet, a fellow Tigers academy graduate. JvP, as he is known, has had a storming start to the 2020/21 season, culminating in a starting position last week away at Harlequins where he scored a try of true quality and individual brilliance. The comparisons to Ben Youngs was fully justified as he jinked his way off the back of a ruck, and sliced through the Quins defence with ease. JvP has grown into his role of a finisher, adding increased tempo and positivity off the bench for the last 20 minutes, a key component of the wins against Brive and Bath at home. The 19 year old plays with a swagger and walks with a strut, essential qualities for playing as a scrum-half at the top level. Having come through the academy system, he has played his part in winning the Academy League twice out of the last 3 years that Tigers have been champions. At current viewing, he looks like he is taking his opportunities with both hands, and I do not believe it is controversial to believe he is potentially second choice scrum-half.
It is not just in the First Team that Borthwick has an abundance of riches available to him. In the Development Squad can be found 20 year old Johnny Law – a fellow 2 time Academy league winner, who has also represented England at under-18 level. Law is a former Fly-Half, adding further versatility to his game. Joining Law is 18 year old Sam Edwards. Also another that has represented England under18’s, and was a try-scorer in the 2019-2020 Academy league final against London Irish.
Whilst Steve Browthwick plans Tigers’ return to the upper levels of the English game, there will changes made to the squad across the board as he moulds it to his liking. Scrum-half however, will be an area where a box can be ticked and his mind put at rest. As Borthwick works his way through the in-tray of things that need to be fixed, he can be confident that scrum-half is not one. Certainly in the short and long term, Tigers can be happy with whom they have got. That list of top level 9’s could be getting ever bigger.