‘Last year I was the new guy’
IF newcomers to the England set-up want advice on how to make an impact at Test level, they could do far worse than speak to Ugo Monye.
In the space of 12 months the versatile Harlequins back has gone from uncapped hopeful to a key figure in Martin Johnson’s England side, and a British and Irish Lions star.
Monye’s next trick will be to prove he can make the transition from winger to full-back at international level, as he has for his club side, when Australia visit Twickenham on Saturday. That Test will see first starts for No8 Jordan Crane and inside centre Shane Geraghty, as a litany of injuries forces Johnson to experiment.
However, Monye, who can still remember vividly when he was the unfamiliar face, insists the new-look line-up can be a good thing for England.
“Injuries happen, you just get on and deal with it. Every injury you have is just an opportunity for someone else to come in and get a job done,” Monye told City PM. “Everyone that’s come in has got stuck in and got to grips very quickly with what we are trying to achieve. It’s been good to have those guys in.
“This time last year, I was the guy who was given an opportunity because of injury. Now it’s nice to see some other people come in and hopefully make an impact.”
TOUGHER OPPOSITION
Aside from Crane and Geraghty, England’s matchday 22 also includes uncapped pair Courtney Lawes and Ayoola Erinle, and 26-year-old Monye is more than willing to lend them the benefit of his experience – if they ask.
“I would give them advice if they asked me, but they haven’t yet,” he added. “The guys are pretty self-assured. They are all playing well for their clubs at the moment so they have come in with a bit of confidence. The opposition’s a bit tougher than what they are used to but we stick together as a team.”
Monye has caught the eye at full-back for Quins in the Premiership this season, and is confident of repeating that in an England shirt as Delon Armitage’s replacement.
“For me it’s a big opportunity,” he said. “I’ve played well there for Harlequins and I’m very fortunate to have good wingers around me. All wingers should be able to play full-back – the skills are very transferable. I can’t wait and to be perfectly honest I’d play anywhere for England.”
Tickets for the Investec Challenge Series match between England and Argentina are available from £25 for adults and £10 for under 16s via www.rfu.com/tickets or by calling 0844 8472492.