Randall's out to get the world at his feet

WHEN Harry Randall was released from the England squad in the summer, the scrum-half was told he needed to work on his kicking. 

- PAUL REES

It was an area of the game that had not been a major focus for his club, Bristol, who last season averaged the fewest kicks in play per 80 minutes in the Premiership with 22.3

After the first two rounds this season, the Bears have averaged the most, 40.5, and at Northampton last weekend Randall made the joint-most kicks in play, 20, and kicked more metres than any other player, 468. “The kicking game gives us another string to our bow,” said the 25 year old Randall, who has won six caps but has not played for England since the 2022 Six Nations.

“Our game plan can change based on who we are playing. If we think it is best to kick more to put opponents under pressure, we will. If we feel we will get a better return by running the ball, we will take that option.

“The statistics show we are kicking a bit more, but what is important is that we have a big picture about when we kick and what types of kick we will use. The whole team knows what we are trying to gain.