English rugby player David Flatman to mentor Anthony Watson

On the eve of the Six Nations, the Jaguar Academy of Sport announced that Special Recognition Award Winner Anthony Watson will receive one-to-one mentoring from Bath prop and Jaguar Academy of Sport Member David Flatman.

At the 2011 Jaguar Academy
of Sport Annual Awards, Anthony Watson was provided with a Special Recognition Award. In winning this award Anthony will receive a years worth of one-to-one mentoring from rugby prop David Flatman. This one-to-one help and support from David will be invaluable for a young athlete and something that will allow Anthony to develop further and achieve his sporting goals.

Anthony, a 17 year-old full back rugby union player from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey currently plays for London Irish. Rugby has a strong history within the Watson family with father, Duncan being a former Saracens player whilst his older brother Marcus, is a key member of the England U20 team. It’s no surprise that Anthony started playing at the age of five for Effingham and Leatherhead Rugby Club. He has progressed through the ranks to make it to where he is today at London Irish and within the England U18 squad.

Anthony has had some great achievements this season both at international and club rugby level. He represented London Irish in the JP Morgan 7s competition against other Premiership clubs and made his Aviva Premiership debut against Newcastle Falcons on in September 2011, making him the youngest ever London Irish player to play in a premiership game, and the second youngest player to play in the premiership. He also won gold medal for the England Rugby Sevens team at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man.

Like Anthony, David started his rugby career at a young age after being inspired by his father. His senior club rugby began with Saracens in 1998 and he moved to Bath in 2003 where he is still playing as one of the finest front row forwards in English rugby union. David also has eight caps for England.

David’s success in rugby at both club and international level makes him a perfect mentor for Rising Star for Anthony Watson as he will be able to pass on knowledge from his own experiences.

Anthony Watson, Jaguar Academy of Sport Rising Star, commented, “I am delighted that my mentor is David Flatman, he is a legend in British rugby and I’m sure he will provide me with lots of advice, guidance and support which will help me achieve my dream of representing my country.”

David Flatman, Jaguar Academy of Sport Member and Mentor, commented, “Anthony is a hot prospect in English rugby and has already achieved so much. I am delighted to be able to support him in his career and provide any advice I can.”

The Jaguar Academy of Sport aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success. This is fulfilled through a Bursary Fund and a unique Mentoring and Education Programme delivered through a series of workshops and talent days. Mentoring is key to the Academy and provides all the rising stars with the non-financial support they need in order to be successful and this support, means our rising stars are able to work with Britain’s sporting greats and ultimately their heroes who they aspire to be.

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