Warwick School youngster Jamie Shillcock became the youngest player in history to appear in a Greene King IPA Championship play-off match when he came off the bench to help Worcester Warriors defeat London Scottish in last Friday’s semi-final.
The 17-year-old was given a run-out for five minutes at the end of the match as Warriors recorded a comfortable 38-15 win at Sixways.
Shillcock said: “Getting the call-up to play for Warriors and to be involved in the match is something I will always remember and I’m incredibly grateful to the coaches for giving me the opportunity.
“It was brilliant to come on at the end. To be able to run out and get the reception I did from the crowd was really special and I really enjoyed it.”
Warriors turned to Shillcock when they lost scrum-half duo Charlie Mulchrone and Jonny Arr to injury and suspension respectively.
Shillcock was given the news of his call-up from Warwick School Director of Rugby Mark Nasey during a school lesson before the youngster made his way to Sixways to link-up with his teammates.
After just three days of preparation, he was lining up in the matchday squad alongside Wales international Jonathan Thomas, Australia international Cooper Vuna and Aviva Premiership winner GJ van Velze.
And the youngster admits some wise words from England full-back Chris Pennell helped settle his nerves before he was introduced to the action.
He continued: “Just before I came on Chris was talking to me. He said I needed to play my normal game and told me to get involved for those final few minutes and help the team see the game out.”
With JB Bruzulier the only available first-team scrum-half, Shillcock is likely to be involved in the play-off finals against Bristol this month.
And he admits he is focused on making the most of his opportunity.
Shillcock added: “I’m really excited about the next few weeks and I really hope I can be part of a squad which can win promotion to the Premiership.
“I would love to be in this environment full-time so my aim now is to work as hard as I can and impress the coaches.”