GEORGE MAKEPEACE-CUBITT
George Makepeace-Cubitt was the only player in England U20s’ victorious Six Nations squad not connected to a Premiership club but the talented fly-half is hoping to work his way back into the big time following the demise of London Irish.
The 20-year-old is contracted at National One side Rams, and became the first player since Josh Bassett in 2012 (Bedford Blues) to represent England U20s in the Six Nations while not linked with a top-flight side.
Despite playing his rugby in the third tier this season, Makepeace-Cubitt shone in the showpiece tournament, making four appearances and started the title deciding 45-31 victory away in Pau.
He told The Rugby Paper: “The French fans are so passionate, it’s probably the closest to a football atmosphere with it being quite hostile and loud. It’s hard when you play but after the game they were amazing, they wanted photos with us and to sign their shirts which shows they just love their rugby.
“I loved being involved in the Six Nations, it’s enjoyable because you’re playing with boys who are a similar age. It’s good rugby because it’s quick and you try to play to space. There’s systems to play but there’s also a lot of confidence in you, so that if you see space you’re backed to make the right decision; whether that’s a cross field kick or a long pass.”
Makepeace-Cubitt has made nine appearances for Rams, scoring two tries this season as he returned to his boyhood club where he started his rugby career aged nine. He hopes to help guide the Reading-based side to the National One title but with stiff competition from Chinnor, he knows they’re up against it.
He added: “Playing for England U20s while at Rams is quite a big achievement for me and shows the good levels of rugby below the Premiership and outside of full-time environments. National One is a great league, so I’m glad I showcased that.
“I want to win National One with Rams but we’re in a hard position because Chinnor are playing very well and are two points above us, so it’s all about winning every game and hoping Chinnor slip up.”
Makepeace-Cubitt was living the dream as he joined London Irish, the Premiership side he’d supported his whole life, for U16s and then graduated into the senior academy. But the dream turned into a nightmare when the club fell into liquidation last summer and he was without a club. He hopes to find a route back to the Premiership but reveals the pain suffered as a result of Irish’s demise.
“It was so hard for me because I remember going to watch Irish when I was a kid down at the Madjeski,” he said. “I was a big fan and then for me to be signed, it became both my job and my passion.
“The situation of Irish folding took months to get over because it’s hard to get over something when it’s not in your control. Post that it was all about trying to find my feet again with a new club to get back playing and it’s been good so far with Rams.
“My short-term goal is to get on the plane to South Africa for the U20s World Championship.”