| You are in: You are in: Rugby Union |
![]() | Tuesday, 13 November, 2001, 17:34 GMT Living the dream ![]() Charlie Hodgson partners Austin Healey at half-back New England fly-half Charlie Hodgson talks to BBC Sport Online's Jonathon Moore about achieving his boyhood dream - wearing an England jersey. When Charlie Hodgson runs out at Twickenham to take part in what will likely be a record romp over the Romanians, the first question on the mind of many fans will surely be: 'Charlie who?' And not without reason. Less than one year ago, Hodgson was still playing for Durham University, before Sale spotted his potential and brought him into the club as understudy to Fijian international Nicky Little. But the 21-year-old's time on the bench did not last long.
"I've been playing for Sale since the middle of last season," he told BBC Sport Online. "But like every player I'm itching to get my full England cap." Despite his excitement, Hodgson is confident he will be able to defeat his nerves. "It's every boy's dream to play for England," he said. "But international rugby is all about keeping cool, so it's important for me to stay focussed." In eight Premiership appearances for Sale this season, Hodgson has scored 105 points, evidence enough of his prowess in the position. And Sale coach Jim Mallinder is in no doubt of his ability. "He's a running fly-half who likes to play a wide game," he said. "And though he won't admit it, he's pretty good with his boots too." Saracens misery Hodgson sat on the bench for England's mighty victory over Australia on Saturday, before coming down to earth with a bang against Saracens on Sunday. He missed four out of six kicks at goal and had a kick charged down for a try by Tim Horan.
"It wasn't easy returning so quickly after the England game. But that's no excuse really. "I just have to make sure I make up for it on Saturday."
Indeed, Hodgson is keen to pay back the faith that Woodward has shown in him. But he is equally keen to praise Sale and the set-up that has allowed him to thrive. "Sale have given me the opportunity and fortunately I've taken it," he said. "They like to get the U-21 squad involved in senior training sessions - and that's good - because it helps when you make the step-up. "This Saturday is a huge day for me and I'm keen to focus and listen to every piece of advice the others can give me. "I'd like to think this is the start of a new adventure for me and I want to impress in front of the fans." |
Aussies undermined See also: Other top Rugby Union stories: Links to more Rugby Union stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Links to more Rugby Union stories |
| ^^ Back to top | ||
| Front Page | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Other Sports | Sports Talk | In Depth | Photo Galleries | Audio/Video | TV & Radio | BBC Pundits | Question of Sport | Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> | BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII|News Sources|Privacy | ||