IT is a little known fact that Graham Kitchener’s fine all-round footballing abilities were honed at Molineux.

Up until the age of 15, the up-and-coming Warriors second row was a centre-half with Wolverhampton Wanderers, dreaming of making it as a professional footballer.

However, an injury meant he missed his window of opportunity before swapping the round ball for an oval one and Wolves’ loss is most certainly Worcester’s gain.

Hot prospect Kitchener, who scored a try on his full debut against London Irish, said: “I used to play football for Wolves’ academy when I was younger. I played there for three years until I was 15, where I played centre-back.

“Football was probably my first sport. I put more effort into it early on, but then I got injured in the last season and I didn’t really play too much after that. I decided to concentrate on rugby around the age of 15 and look what has happened since!”

On leaving Wolves, Kitchener linked up with the Warriors academy, hasn’t looked back and early indications suggest he is destined for a fine rugby career.

The 19-year-old said: “Worcester, more than any other club, give youngsters a chance. I’d like to think it’s all down to my personal attributes, but also it’s down to Mike Ruddock being really trusting and pushing me forward.

“The way the academy is set up from a young age they tap into your key skills and help you develop them. I’ve been training with the academy since I was 15 and it has been ideal for me.

“Scoring a try against London Irish, I would say is my best rugby feeling. It was in front of the home fans as well and I had a few friends and family here that day in the block just by where the try was scored — it was an incredible feeling.”

The England Under 20 star is now looking forward to winning further caps for his country and will be doing so in familiar surroundings as Sixways is set to host junior international games.

Kitchener added: “I was delighted when I heard the England games are to be played at Sixways.

“I have played at under 16, under 18 and under 20 last year so I’m reasonably experienced at international level. Hopefully I’ll go to a World Cup as well, which would be the pinnacle really.

“I’ve played with most of the boys in the under 18s and 20s - all the team know each other. Hopefully we should have a really good team spirit going.”