Diary Of A Modern Professional

Given his rugby education at Claires Court School in Maidenhead, Nick Kennedy didn’t look twice at the odd shaped ball until his second year at university in Portsmouth.  In fact, Nick was enjoying some considerable success as a basketball player at Portsmouth, where he graduated with a Sports Science degree.

Starting out on the wing, he was persuaded by his old school friends and university colleagues to give rugby a go and after rising through the ranks to Portsmouth University’s 1st XV, Bucks county and the West of England he was handed a trial by London Irish as a second row.

Standing at 6’ 8”, Nick impressed the coaches of London Irish’s U21 squad whilst commuting from Portsmouth up to London three or four times a week to train, he was rewarded with a full-time professional playing contract with Irish.

In the past five years, Nick has made over 100 appearances in the London Irish first team and won five caps playing for England Saxons. He’s formed a formidable partnership with club captain Bob Casey in the second row and is now being tipped to win his first full international call-up.

Every week he will share his highs and lows, and give 50connect readers an exclusive insight into life behind the scenes of a professional rugby player.