Who is Will Hutchinson? Meet 'dynamic' Hull FC hooker selected for England academy

Hull FC will hope to be represented by two players when England academy take on France in Warrington next month. The Black and Whites saw two of their young stars selected in Paul Anderson's squad last week, with half-back Jack Charles joined by hooker Will Hutchinson.

Both rising talents in Hull's system, Charles is, to no surprise, the most experienced player in the whole England squad, with eight senior appearances to his name, while Hutchinson is currently making his mark under Francis Cummins in the club's academy side.

For Player Performance Manager, Richard Tate, who has seen their recent development first hand, the inclusions are no surprise. Also coaching the scholarship side, Tate knows both players inside out, having worked with them over the last two and a half seasons.

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Speaking exclusively to Hull Live, Tate said: “It’s fantastic news for both players. The journey that Will has taken in such a short space of time is a testament to him. He was in our scholarship system, and he thrived in that environment. He's like a sponge. He picks up everything, and he's just a bundle of joy to work around.

“He wants to better himself, and the key word there is hard work. He's determined, and he knows where he wants to go, so I'm really pleased that Will has gotten that national exposure and recognition.

“It’s a big thing for him. He's one of the best players in his age group in the country. It's fantastic, and I'm sure we've still got the best to come."

Opening up on Hutchinson’s main qualities, Tate continued: “Will’s running game is very dynamic. He's quick out of dummy half, but his distribution and his skills are fantastic as well. He's also tough defensively.

“There are still a few things that he has to work on. But regarding his all-round game, his skill, and his decision-making, he's right up there."

And as for Charles, who played for England against France last year, Tate has no doubt that the half, who also saw confirmation of his new deal last week, will make his mark again, praising his attitude to come back to the academy and reserve sides so well after playing in the first-team.

“He looks the part,” Tate said. “You can see that Jack has had that taste of it. He's still in and around it; I don't think that's him done, and he'll dip back in when Grixy says he's ready to.

“That's one that Grixy has really brought—the understanding around these kids and the need to protect them. They're dipping their toe in and going really well, but they also still need to cut their teeth, make mistakes, and learn their trade back in their own age group in the academy.

“Jack has had that taste of being up there, but it's pleasing that he's come back down and brought that level-headedness to his game. That's a testament to his attitude."

As well as being teammates at Hull, Charles and Hutchinson go way back. The duo both attended Longcroft School in Beverley and have been close friends for years.

Reflecting on a 'special' call-up, Charles added: “It's very special. You dream of playing for your country and doing it with Hutchy as well. He's my best mate. I went through school with him.

“When I was at Beverley Braves, Hutchy played for Skirlaugh. There was a bit of rivalry there, but we've always been best mates. To see how hard he's worked and to see him get his reward, it's pretty special, so hopefully we get selected to play and can put in a good performance and do the country and this club proud.”

England academy host France on July 2. The full squad can be viewed here.

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