Henry Arundell likened to Christian Cullen by former England international
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Breakout London Irish star Henry Arundell has been tipped to feature for England at the Rugby World Cup in France next year.
Speculation is rife at the moment as to which country Arundell will represent when it comes time to making his test debut. The 19-year-old qualifies for England, Scotland and Wales, with reports suggesting that he has been sounded out by each test team.
Arundell caught the public's eye last weekend with his incredible solo score against RC Toulon the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup.From his own tryline, he managed to sprint past the first Toulon defender before going through a gap and out of his own 22. He left Baptiste Serin in his wake with a jink step to the right before stepping one last time and charging over in the corner.
This is one of the best tries you will see. @henry_arundell has scored a screamer! pic.twitter.com/fwahLl0hDj
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 8, 2022
His recent form for the Exiles as well as the England u20s, has earned praise from former England international Mike Brown who has tipped Arundell to feature for higher honours with England and likened him to a former All Black.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when Henry Arundell ripped apart the Toulon defence last week. It was like watching Christian Cullen, who was one of the best players to pull on the All Blacks jersey.” Brown wrote in a column for the MailOnline.
"There’s so much natural ability there. What’s so impressive is the way Arundell swerved at top speed, threw in some footwork, dropped his speed to almost a standstill and then went again.
"His deceleration and quick acceleration back to top speed is really impressive.
"You see a lot of unbelievably quick athletes who struggle to beat defenders at top speed. That body movement at pace is what set Cullen apart from the rest. There aren’t many players in the world who move like that. He’s quick but he’s also strong, 96kg, with big legs.
"Of course, there’s still a long way to go. Most of his appearances have come from the bench but there’s plenty of time to establish himself in England’s World Cup plans.
