Josh Watkins admits it meant everything to him to make his Warriors debut in Friday night’s Amlin Challenge Cup clash with Sale Sharks.
The 19-year-old lined-up on the wing in Warriors’ penultimate European fixture of the season and says he was pleased with his performance.
He said: “I’m a local lad so to make my debut for Warriors meant everything to me. It’s a shame we didn’t win the game but, from a personal point, I was pleased.
“It was a goal of mine at the start of the season to make my debut and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”
Watkins found himself up against England legend Mark Cueto on the wing as Sale named a full-strength side. And, according to the academy player, the game felt like a cup final.
He continued: “I had a lot of nerves facing international players like Mark Cueto. There were a lot of established players out there so it was always going to be a big game for me and I took it like it was a final.
“Cueto is someone I’ve watched growing up and he was a tough guy to come up against for the first time. But I’m pleased with how I did.”
Watkins’ debut is another example of how much Director of Rugby Dean Ryan values up-and-coming talent at Sixways.
And the wing insists he will keep working hard throughout the season to try and get as much game time as he can.
He added: “Dean has been really good with the young lads and has given them the opportunity to play on the big stage.
“Hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt to try and impress.”