The Leicester Tigers development squad have praised senior team-mates for playing a part in their rugby education at Welford Road.
Academy graduates Jordan Olowofela and Harry Mahoney, who are among a group of young players who have agreed new contracts at Tigers, said senior colleagues have paid close attention to their work and continue to pass on advice.
Olowofela, who made his senior debut this season and was named in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Cardiff Blues, said: “This is a great place to learn. The players here are class. Whenever I can, I ask them for tips, look for advice and try to learn.
“The great thing is they are always there to talk to you.
“Telusa Veainu is helping me quite a bit. Because he can’t do contact training at the moment, he is shadowing me – literally stood behind me on the training field and following me – and he gives me tips.”
The 19-year-old Olowofela, who has played at centre, wing and full-back coming through the ranks at the club and is included in the England Under-20s squad for this season, said agreeing a new contract had been an easy decision.
“I love being at the club and I always wanted to stay at the club,” he said. “We’re a close group. I’ve been here for four years now and want to keep growing and learning.”
Like Olowofela, hooker Mahoney has gained senior experience in the Premiership ‘A’ League and on loan with Loughborough Students in the National League as part of his development and has now agreed new contract terms.
“Working with the senior players is great,” said the Norfolk-born front-rower.
“Tom Youngs is always really helpful. He’ll pass on advice, especially about the set-piece. It’s great to have someone from the highest level do that.”
The 20-year-old Mahoney is Tigers’ top tryscorer in the ‘A’ League so far this season and added: “The ‘A’ League has gone really well. I’ve scored a few tries but that’s down to team-mates putting us in good positions and I’ve been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
“It’s been great to get gametime here and with Loughborough Students. It has definitely helped my development.”
Look out for LTTV interviews with the Tigers contingent in the England Under-20s squad soon ahead of their Six Nations campaign.
