Ben Ransom won the Grand Slam with England Under-20s last year

As the end to a successful England Under-20 career approaches Ben Ransom admits a defeat last summer is providing a source of inspiration during the Six Nations.

The former Tonbridge School pupil helped the side off to a terrific start last weekend, as Scotland were crushed 59-3 in Glasgow.

It put Ransom and the rest of the squad on their way to a second successive Grand Slam ahead of a trip to Italy on Friday night.

The full-back turns 20 next week so will not be eligible for the team next season. Despite the glory he enjoyed in the Six Nations 12 months ago, it is the 33-22 defeat to New Zealand at the Junior World Cup last June which stands out.

He said: “Winning the Grand Slam and then doing well in the Junior World Cup were great moments, but losing in the final spurs me on.

“Obviously last year our goal was to win the Grand Slam. It’s a different team this year and we’ll just be taking it one game at a time.”
After the end of his international under-20 career next month Ransom will turn his attention to developing in club rugby.

The former Kent player made his full debut for Saracens aged just 18 but has been used sparingly over the last year.

He is likely to finish the season playing in the Championship for Bedford Blues, who have signed him on a dual registration deal.

Ransom is looking forward to featuring for the promotion hopefuls, which should provide a useful stepping stone to establishing himself at Saracens.

He said: “Playing regularly is the priority to get some game time under my belt. First of all I have to do well at Bedford and then the aim is to get into the rotation for the Saracens first-team.

“Saracens is a great club to be at – it’s hard work but the set-up is really good.”