Povey looks for the positives after a tough season at Luton

Povey, 19, was playing his first year of senior rugby for Luton, and in a campaign of struggle, in which they won just one league game all term, despite being one of the youngest, he proved to be one of the most talented players in the squad as well.

Povey said: “I enjoyed my first season of senior rugby with a great bunch of lads.

“We have come close to getting it right on the pitch at times which has been good to be a part of particularly in a tricky season for the club.

“It was very hard and frustrating at times and we have struggled with discipline a lot at times.

“But I’ve enjoyed the challenge as I have always been part of very successful teams so this has made me more determined to contribute as much as I can and try to turn things around.

“We’ve been through some real lows; but that is what makes a good squad in the long run.”

The teenager was utilised in his favoured position of fly-half and on just why that role suits him, Povey continued: “I love controlling the game, getting the ball in my hands and fizzing out a pass to oncoming runners, trying to work out how to best break down the opposition defence.

“I’ve always loved practicing kicking for hours on end at times too.

“It’s become a slightly unhealthy obsession, and during exams I always love to just kick a ball around for an hour or two just to clear my head and relax.”

Povey, who played for Northampton Saints’ junior academy and East Midlands U20s before moving to Luton, missed some matches this term due to his ongoing international duties.

The talented youngster is eligible to play for Canada as his mother was born there and lived there for 15 years, so he has been playing for the nation’s U20 side.

He said: “I had been in contact with them to check out if I was eligible and told them about my rugby history.

“They said they were interested and asked if they could see me play.

“I went on tour out there with school so they sent some people to watch and they liked what they saw. Then they invited me over to train and paid for my flights and everything so it was a really exciting time.

“Getting to be part of an elite set up playing full time, just focusing on the game and not having to worry about work is an opportunity that doesn’t often come around so you have to relish it.”

Looking ahead, the multi-talented Povey is unsure where his future lies as he might consider a career as a cricketer too.

He said: “I’m currently trying to go professional in cricket, but if that doesn’t happen I’d like to try and go for a World Cup with Canada after university.

I’d also love to go into coaching or something to do with the sport.”

If Luton want to get promoted next term, keeping Povey is vital, but with him going to university, it could become complicated.

He added: “I am hopefully staying on next season but I’m off to university in Oxford by the looks of it.

“I will have to have a talk with management about travel arrangements in order to get to the games.

“If they are put in place then I would love to be part of the squad and focus on bouncing back next year and driving the club forward.”