Quiet Renaissance Puts Stuart in Lions Frame for England v Italy

Will Stuart has had a quiet yet transformative journey in English rugby, and his rise to prominence could see him in contention for a spot with the British and Irish Lions. The 28-year-old England prop has endured setbacks and periods of self-reflection but has now found himself firmly in the spotlight, particularly during the Six Nations. As the England rugby team prepares for their upcoming match against Italy, Stuart is emerging as one of the standout players, having significantly improved his performance on the field.

Stuart’s Personal Journey to Improvement

Will Stuart suffers an elbow dislocation

Stuart’s story is one of quiet determination and personal growth. Over the past year, he has undergone a renaissance, not just in his rugby career but also in his personal life. Away from the pitch, Stuart has found solace in reading about history and military strategy, delving into Tom Holland’s Rubicon, a book about the power struggles of the Roman Empire, as well as a biography of Napoleon Bonaparte. These readings, coupled with podcasts detailing the brutality of World War Two’s Eastern Front, have helped him build a deeper understanding of resilience, strategy, and discipline. These qualities have translated well into his rugby career as he’s worked relentlessly to improve and regain his position within the England team.

However, it wasn’t always certain that Stuart would find himself back in the England fold. In the summer of 2023, he faced a difficult period when he was publicly critiqued for his performances during the two summer Tests in New Zealand. England coach Steve Borthwick admitted that Stuart was under pressure in the scrum, prompting concerns over his future with the national team. To make matters worse, a crop of promising young front-row players emerged from England’s Under-20 Rugby World Cup team, creating further competition for Stuart’s place.

But despite this setback, Stuart didn’t lose sight of his goal. “In the summer, I knew I hadn’t done myself any kind of justice, that I hadn’t put my hand forward,” Stuart told BBC Sport. “There were open and honest conversations, and I was under no illusion that performance-wise I had a lot of work to do. I just needed to get my head down, fly into club games, get better and try to cement myself more as a starting tight-head.”

Stuart’s Steady Rise in the Six Nations

Will Stuart trains with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ellis Genge

Stuart’s hard work has paid off. Playing for Bath, he has been a key part of the team’s success in the Premiership, which has seen them rise to the top of the league. His form with his club side laid the foundation for a strong start in the Six Nations, where he has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging tournament for England.

Throughout England’s matches against Ireland, France, and Scotland, Stuart and his front-row colleagues have seen notable improvements in the scrum. They have won five scrum penalties while only conceding three, a statistic few would have predicted after the difficulties faced last summer in New Zealand. “We have taken a step forward from last summer,” Stuart acknowledged. “We came into the autumn, we were very clean, good on our own ball, we were trying to be square and rock solid. Now there is a big onus on trying to take another step forward – to being dominant.”

One of the key factors behind Stuart’s resurgence is his health. The lingering effects of an elbow dislocation in 2022 have finally dissipated, allowing him to perform at his best. But another important reason behind his success has been the change in training approach. England’s front-row players have focused on collaboration rather than competition in training. Stuart’s insight into this shift reveals how it’s benefitted both him and his teammates: “When you come in this environment you are competing with other lads to try to play. Scrums are very competitive, combative places, and it can end up being messy and a bit of a ‘man test.’ That is not really how you want to train.”

Stuart goes on to explain how the emphasis has changed to making sure that every training session maximizes the benefit of each rep. “You want to train so that everyone gets better – keeping scrums off the deck and not wasting any reps. It feels like the group has all bought into it. It feels like a big shift in that regard.”

Stuart’s Quiet Personality and Growing Impact

While Stuart’s rugby performances are increasingly drawing attention, his personality remains notably low-key. Unlike some of the louder personalities within the England squad, Stuart prefers a quieter, more introverted lifestyle. “I am pretty awful,” Stuart jokes about his social nature. “How can I put this? I am not the most sociable person, I am a bit of a hermit. I live in a little village outside of Bath and it is very quiet, which is my set-up and how I like it.”

Stuart’s quiet demeanor contrasts with some of the more boisterous characters in the England team, such as vice-captain Ellis Genge and former teammate Joe Marler, who retired in 2023. Marler, in particular, was known for his loud personality, often recalling his Lions experiences and bringing his teammates along for the ride. Stuart, however, has always preferred to focus on his performance rather than drawing attention to himself. “I haven’t really thought about [the Lions]. After the last summer, I just needed to knuckle down, game by game, and play well. I am just trying to stay along those lines.”

Nonetheless, Stuart’s on-field performances, coupled with the injury struggles of Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong, have placed him in the frame for a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour. His remarkable consistency, especially in the Six Nations, has thrust him into the spotlight as one of England’s most reliable props.

Stuart’s Lions Dream

Despite his form putting him in the Lions conversation, Stuart remains focused on the task at hand with England. He recalls watching the 2013 Lions tour to Australia while still in school, and later hearing stories from Bath teammate Jamie Roberts, who was part of that successful tour. Roberts, who won the Lions man-of-the-tour award in 2009, frequently reminisced about his experiences. Stuart laughs when recalling Roberts’ repeated anecdotes, “He wouldn’t stop going on about it. I think he made us watch his clips.”

However, Stuart remains calm and focused as he contemplates his future. He’s aware of the challenge of making the Lions squad but is not allowing the thought to consume him. Instead, he remains committed to performing well for England and playing each game as it comes.

The Importance of Stuart’s Resilience

What makes Stuart’s rise even more impressive is his resilience in the face of adversity. After struggling last summer, he has not only regained his position but excelled, making significant contributions in the Six Nations and showing why he’s one of the top tight-head props in England. His quiet dedication to his craft, combined with the support of his teammates and the England coaching staff, has allowed him to reach the level of performance he is currently enjoying.

Stuart’s story is also a reminder of the importance of mental strength in rugby. While the physical demands of the game are intense, the mental fortitude required to overcome challenges and setbacks is just as critical. Stuart’s ability to take honest stock of his performances and his willingness to improve have been key to his resurgence.

Conclusion: Stuart’s Quiet Renaissance and Lions Potential

Will Stuart’s quiet rise from a summer of self-reflection to a key role in England’s Six Nations campaign exemplifies the power of perseverance and resilience. His remarkable transformation has not only enhanced his reputation as one of the top tight-head props in England but also placed him firmly in the frame for a place on the British and Irish Lions tour. As Stuart continues to focus on improving his game, he is well on his way to achieving his rugby dreams, whether with England or the Lions.