London Irish: Johnny Williams hoping to build on dream debut

Johnny Williams hopes to be part of the England Under-20 squad later this season

Johnny Williams is staying focused despite a man-of-the-match display on his first senior London Irish start.

The 19-year-old centre scored a try just 11 minutes into his debut against Agen in the European Challenge Cup.

Williams has spent 13 years at the Premiership club, progressing through their academy to the senior squad.

"Anyone could have been named man-of-the-match against Agen with what happened. It was great to get a win first of all," he told BBC Sport.

Williams and fellow debutant Joe Trayfoot scored tries as Irish recorded their first win of the season in a 48-10 victory at Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

But the focus for Reading-born Williams has quickly turned to the Exiles' next Challenge Cup pool game away at Grenoble on Saturday.

"I was obviously incredibly chuffed with what happened against Agen," he added. "But, I was also incredibly surprised with my selection.

"The coaches have trusted me and I appreciate that. I wanted to pay them back for showing that faith."

It will be a season of dual focus for Williams, who is also targeting a place in the England Under-20 squad for the Junior Six Nations in February and Junior World Championships in June.

"The Under-20s have been successful in the junior worlds tournament in previous years," Williams added. "As a squad, we've talked about winning that again and it's a target we want to achieve."