Tommy Freeman: From Wing to Centre Stage
As the Men’s Six Nations match between Wales and England approaches, all eyes are on Tommy Freeman, the dynamic winger who is poised to make a significant shift to the centre role. The game is set to take place at the iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 15 March, with a kick-off time of 16:45 GMT. Rugby enthusiasts can catch the action live on BBC One, BBC Sport website and app, as well as on S4C via iPlayer. For those who prefer text commentary and highlights, BBC Sport website and app are the places to be. Alternatively, fans can tune in to the live broadcast on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Tommy Freeman, known for his prowess as a winger, is gearing up for a potential move to the centre position for England. The 24-year-old, with 19 Test appearances under his belt, has predominantly played on the wing but showcased his versatility by switching to outside centre for Northampton last season. This transition was particularly notable in Saints’ Champions Cup semi-final clash against Leinster. With England’s first-choice outside centre, Ollie Lawrence, sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury, Freeman’s shift to the midfield presents a strategic opportunity, especially since the team has been missing a powerful gainline-breaking runner since Manu Tuilagi’s departure in 2024.
In a recent interview with Rugby Union Weekly, Freeman shared his thoughts on embracing this new role. “I have trained there, and during the week, I ensure I am well-versed in all the responsibilities associated with the centre position,” he explained. “It is definitely a possibility that I might make the switch.” While Freeman acknowledged that his focus is not on a long-term move to centre at the moment, he expressed his enthusiasm for certain aspects of the position that he finds more enjoyable compared to playing on the wing.
One of the key advantages Freeman highlighted was the increased involvement in creating scoring opportunities as a centre. “You get a lot more touches being one in, and I like to create things as much as finish them,” he remarked. This sentiment is reflected in Freeman’s recent try-scoring streak, where he has managed to score in every Six Nations game for England this year. If he replicates this feat against Wales, he will become the first English player to achieve this milestone in a single Six Nations tournament.
Stepping onto the Big Stage
As Freeman gears up for his first match at the Principality Stadium for England, he expressed his excitement about the vibrant atmosphere and fervent support that awaits him. “Having spoken to the lads about it, I know it is an awesome place to go, the crowd is electric with the roof on,” he shared. “I am really buzzing for it.” Beyond the thrill of playing away at such a renowned venue, Freeman and his teammates have their sights set on securing a victory that could potentially propel them to the top of the Six Nations table.
With France currently leading the standings, England is determined to close the gap and secure a strong finish to the tournament. Despite the possibility of chasing a four-try bonus point, Freeman emphasized that the team’s primary focus remains on executing their game plan effectively. “We are aggressive with the ball and run with intent, that is all we can do, what happens happens,” he stated. “If we get our game on, hopefully the tries come off the back of it.”
Unleashing Hidden Talents
In a surprising turn of events, Freeman revealed a unique aspect of England’s preparations for the upcoming match. Head coach Steve Borthwick tapped into Freeman’s rapping skills during a team meeting, sparking an impromptu performance that left everyone entertained. “In the meeting yesterday, Steve was talking about these buzzwords that rhymed a little bit, and he noticed and asked us ‘if there was to be a rap, who would you choose to rap?'” Freeman recounted. “At Saints, I did a rap once, so one of the lads mentioned my name. So that was last night, stressing, sorting this rap out.”
As Freeman took center stage with his spontaneous rap about collision skills, the team found a unique way to bond and inject some lighthearted fun into their preparation. “It went down great, I ended up tearing into everyone and then tearing into myself,” Freeman shared, highlighting the camaraderie and shared moments of levity that play a crucial role in building team spirit.
As Tommy Freeman prepares to showcase his skills in a new position and lead England’s charge against Wales, his journey from wing to centre exemplifies adaptability, determination, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. With the excitement building for the upcoming Six Nations showdown, all eyes will be on Freeman as he takes center stage in a pivotal moment for his team and his career.
