Versatile Northampton Saints star Ben Foden has underlined his ambition to play scrum-half for England.
Saints star determined to shine at scrum-half
Versatile Northampton Saints star Ben Foden has underlined his ambition to play scrum-half for England.
The uncapped Northampton back has been in eye-catching form this season, starring for Saints in both the number nine and number 15 shirts.
Foden's versatility has given England boss Martin Johnson plenty to think about ahead of the opening RBS Six Nations contests against Italy and Wales.
And while the 23-year-old is still a long shot to force his way into the starting XV, he has made no secret of which position he prefers.
Foden is currently in Portugal as part of England's elite squad, operating mainly as a scrum-half alongside colleagues Danny Care and Harry Ellis.
Bonus
"For me, nine is my main focus, and I would prefer to be seen as a nine/15, rather than a 15/nine," said Foden.
"Northampton have given me the opportunity to play nine, and most of my appearances this season have been as a nine - I've only had the occasional run-out at 15.
"I spoke to Martin Johnson when he first announced he was going to call me up to the squad, and he said it was a bonus for me being able to play in both positions.
"If they are looking to play me on the bench, or if I start at 15 or nine, I can always cover the other position. They see it as a bonus really, so I am happy to play that role at the moment.
"Nine is my first choice as a player. If the club or England want to play me at 15, I am happy to do that as well."
Foden quit Sale Sharks in 2008 following their reluctance to consider him as a scrum-half - a stance Sale boss Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed by signing Wales and Lions number nine Dwayne Peel.
Saint-Andre viewed Foden as a full-back of outstanding potential, so a parting of the ways was inevitable.
"That was the final nail in the coffin for me to leave Sale," added Foden.
Outstanding
"The signing of Dwayne showed they weren't going to be considering me as a nine any more, and it pushed me in the direction of leaving.
"I left Sale on good terms. I expressed the reasons why I left, and Philippe understood that. We get on very well.
"I came through all my early rugby playing as a nine, and it's where I learnt all my skills - I just enjoy the aspect of being around the ball.
"At full-back, sometimes you need to be played into the game, whereas at nine it doesn't matter if you are defending or attacking, you are always involved in the game.
"I always prefer to have my hands on the ball than off it, and so that's why I feel when I am playing at nine I can cause a lot more damage and have a lot more influence on the game."
Foden was among a handful of additions Johnson made to his senior squad earlier this month, rewarding him for some outstanding displays in Northampton colours.
But he admitted: "There is a lot of competition out there, so I wasn't too sure if I would make the squad or not.
"When I got the phone call, obviously I was very excited. I don't think it sunk in until I was on the flight out to Portugal, and then a few nerves and jitters came in.
"The training has been quite difficult. I've been learning a lot of phase plays and new calls, and I've really been enjoying it."
