Former Felsted student Malins making senior strides

Max Malins is hoping his National Two South form will propel him to international glory.

The England U20 full-back left Felsted School in the summer to take up a professional academy contract with Aviva Premiership giants Saracens.

The 18-year-old is now on loan to St Albans side Old Albanian, in what is his first season playing senior rugby, and he has enjoyed a starring role in helping them to the top of the National Two South table.

And having been named in the England U20 elite squad last month, he hopes his performances for OAs will keep him there ahead of a tough Six Nations campaign and a home U20 World Championships.

Malins, who scored two tries and kicked a conversion in OA’s 35-24 win over Taunton on Saturday, said: “It’s a massive year. All I can do is keep playing here, improving my performances.

“I’ll keep playing the best I can and see where the U20s takes me.”

The move to Albanian has given Malins his first taste of senior rugby and he says he is loving the experience.

“I’m with Saracens and I’m here for this year,” he added. “I don’t know about next year but we’ll see what happens.

“I just want to serve my time here and I’ve had a great time so far.

“We’re top of the league, it’s going really well and all the boys have welcomed me with open arms.”

Of the win over Taunton he added: “It was non-stop, a very tight game.

“We knew what they were going to bring to us. Top-of-the-table clash, they were all up for it, but thankfully we got the win with the bonus point.

“I’ve been on and off with the boot but I’ve been getting a few tries so I’m happy with that. But I’ve been working on my kicking so hopefully I’ll keep improving.”