England U20 fly-half Finn Keylock has reflected on his upbringing in the United States and explained how playing American football during his childhood helped shape his rugby development.
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The Saracens prospect moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, when he was just six months old and spent the next seven years there before returning to the UK.
Keylock started at fly-half in England’s emphatic 68-40 victory over the USA at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia. England went on to top their pool and reach the semi-finals, following wins over Ireland and Argentina on either side of the clash with the Americans.
Speaking about facing the country where he grew up, Keylock admitted hearing the US national anthem before the match brought back memories.
“It was a bit weird listening to the anthem.
“When I grew up there, before any American football game you’d stand on the halfway line and sing the national anthem. So, the last time I would have heard that was playing myself so it was a little bit strange when it started playing.”
Having not played rugby before moving back to Britain, Keylock said his background in American football, particularly its physical nature, helped ease his transition into the sport.
“It was quite good because you used to start at five years old and it was full contact from the get-go. It was tough for me because the pads were about the same weight as me, but it was good fun.
“In terms of physicality, I like to pride myself as a physical ten, I’ve not played tag rugby or tag football so that has been ingrained in me from what I was young.”
Before switching to rugby, Keylock played quarterback, a role that shares several similarities with fly-half.
Both positions are responsible for directing attacks, controlling the tempo of the game, reading defensive setups and making key decisions on whether to pass, kick or carry.
“They are similar in terms of how you boss the team around and what’s required from you. That’s something else that’s translated a little bit.”
