Opoku-Fordjour eyeing up Under-20 World Cup target

By James Reid

A tumultuous start to the season has not hampered rugby star Asher Opoku-Fordjour's World Cup ambitions.

The demise of Wasps at the start of last season saw the Coventry-born star forced to up sticks for Sale Sharks in Greater Manchester.

But the 18-year-old has not let the disruption affect him, making his way into Alan Dickens' England squad for the Under-20 Six Nations, and has lofty ambitions after his first taste of under-20 action.

"We have got the [Under-20] World Cup coming this season so hopefully I get selected for that squad," said Opoku-Fordjour, who started his career at Kenilworth RFC and is funded by a partnership between SportsAid and Canterbury.

"That's the big aim for this season.

"I didn't get selected for the Under-20s but I got selected two weeks later which was a pleasant surprise and I am enjoying it.

"It feels good competing at this level. It shows where I can go, what I need to work on and areas I need to improve on."

The international scene is just one of many new environments Opoku-Fordjour has adapted to, leaving his family home for Manchester and going out on loan to Sedgley Park Tigers.

But it is something the youngster is more than used to, with Opoku-Fordjour firmly familiar with new surroundings.

"I was with Wasps, and they went under, and that was pretty hard leaving all the people I have been with and I have grown up with in rugby," he added.

"From there I moved to Sale and it has been good. The boys welcomed me really well; I am training well and playing well.

"I am used to moving, when I was 16, I moved to Oxford to go to college there so I am used to that environment.

"I am used to being away from family, so it wasn't too bad of an experience."

SportsAid Week is an annual initiative which was launched in 2016, with this year's event taking place from Monday 6 March to Sunday 12 March.

This year's theme focused on ‘Accessibility and Inclusion' as the charity shines a spotlight on the country's most talented young athletes and celebrates the incredible work being undertaken by its partners to support the future of British sport.

"SportsAid's support helped me take care of myself a bit more," admitted Opoku-Fordjour, who is supported by SportsAid and commercial partner Canterbury.

"If I needed boots I was able to get them, travel to loan clubs was easier.

"The advice I have received on the SportsAid weeks was pretty good. Being around other athletes, it's good to hear their side and experience of being an athlete."

SportsAid Week 2023 took place from Monday 6 March to Sunday 12 March and was a dedicated week of fun and awareness-raising based around theme of accessibility and inclusion. Please visit www.sportsaid.org.uk