The 21-year-old Englishman leading an international rugby team

After coming through Gloucester’s academy, his playing career was cut short by persistent shoulder injuries, prompting a move into coaching.

Following a few years in a range of roles, including stints with Henley Rugby and Ultimate Rugby Sevens, he was offered the chance to lead Hungary last year.

That chance came through Tom Redfern, who recommended Harrison to the Hungary Rugby Union after leaving his own role with the national setup.

Harrison was appointed at just 20, becoming the youngest international head coach in the world and stepping into a senior international environment with players older and more experienced than himself.

From the outset, he prioritised building relationships to overcome the initial scepticism of his players. “When I got appointed, the first thing I wanted to do was reach out. I asked the boys what they wanted from me.”

Balancing sevens and fifteens responsibilities has brought both challenges and rewards. Harrison speaks with clear passion about the sevens environment.

“It comes with its challenges, but also it is a pleasure when I get to go to these amazing countries with these boys, and see them die for their badge. They absolutely love their country.”

That emotional connection, combined with his belief in the squad, underpins his optimism. He is convinced “we are going to do some special things this year in the Trophy with this group of lads.”

Hungary’s recent near miss has sharpened that focus. The team finished fourth in the 2024 Rugby Europe Sevens Trophy before Harrison’s arrival, narrowly missing a medal.

It is a result that continues to drive him. “They were so close to getting a medal and it has been my goal, I want to make history with them and win a medal.”

That ambition feels immediate rather than distant. With the 2026 Trophy set to take place in Makarska and Chisinau this June, Harrison’s mindset is clear.

“The medium-term goal is to win a medal, and we want to win a medal this year. It's the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about when I go to bed, and all the boys believe in it as well… why not us?”

At the same time, Harrison has worked to build a sustainable foundation. “I wanted to come in and make the program sustainable, not just put loads of money into it this year.”

He is quick to highlight the collective effort behind that progress, particularly the contribution of team manager Réka Kovacs, who “does literally everything and is the hero of the country”, as well as the wider staff.

Despite his rapid rise, Harrison remains grounded about his own development. “Being 21, I'm not afraid to make mistakes… I know that I'm not the finished product but I'm eager to be the best coach I can.”

Looking further ahead, his ambitions extend beyond European competition.

"Long-term, I want them at the Olympics, I think that it's achievable… As I always say when someone says that it isn't realistic, I have been realistic that it's a long-term goal but why not us? That's something we keep using, we're built for the fight, why can't we do it?

"I have a real good feeling with Hungary and if I'm there for that long-term goal, that would be amazing, but if not and I've played a really small part in that journey then I'm happy as well."