Harry Westlake: England’s viral mascot for the Under-18 Six Nations

Westlake, now 17, has been included in England’s training camp in preparation for April’s Under-18 Six Nations festival in Vichy, France.

“English rugby was always huge for me growing up,” Westlake says looking back.

“I loved England and I’m very patriotic.

“I remember going into the tunnel and asking Chris Robshaw if he was ready.

“Then we went out, and I guess I thought I was going to play!

“You see me coming out and I’m almost staring at everyone.

“Before that, my mom told me, ‘Make sure you sing it loud and sing it proud.’”

“So I just thought, ‘Okay, I’ll do it.’”

Westlake was playing for Devonport Services’ under-7s at the time, but already had his eyes set on the big stage, with plans to become an England fly-half or centre-half.

This part probably won’t happen.

Westlake, who plays for Exeter Academy, is now a solid back-row player, channeling the energy and drive of Ben Earl and Henry Bullock, even if he cites childhood hero Owen Farrell as the embodiment of the mentality he aspires to.

Westlake has already had to show resilience to continue achieving his dream.

“Rugby has always been the focus, even if the journey has not necessarily been as smooth as it could have been,” he says.

Westlake suffers from Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammation of the intestine.

“I take my medication every eight weeks, and it kind of bothers me and helps me get through it,” he explains.

“There was a period of two, three or four years when things were very difficult, but we are getting through it now.

“It affects energy levels, so for two or three days before I’m due to take the medication I’ll suffer, and then a day after I’ll suffer too.”

It wasn’t until his first experience playing against England that he had his national anthem moment.

After a photo of Harry on father Kevin’s shoulders at the previous year’s match was used in promotional material, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) brought both to the team hotel to meet the players and coach Stuart Lancaster.