England U20s: Captain Tom Burrow speaks ahead of his final age-grade appearance

His final appearance comes just over a week before his 20th birthday, meaning he will soon be ineligible for U20 competition. As he reflected on a tournament that didn’t necessarily go to plan results-wise, Burrow spoke with honesty and a clear appreciation for the journey.

“We didn't return the Championship, that's what we wanted to do so naturally disappointed there. With that being said, I've made some great memories with some great mates, we've also played some really good rugby at times. Our performances have been there, just not consistently enough. I've enjoyed it, as an experience it's been one to remember.”

England exited at the pool stage after a narrow defeat to South Africa and a failure to secure a crucial bonus-point. It was a harsh outcome that meant Argentina progressed as the best runners-up. Burrow was philosophical when reflecting on the fine margins that ultimately made the difference.

“With any decision there's a certain measure of scope that you have to take the pros and cons from it,” he explained. “For our development, myself and Ben Coen, it's good to be in those positions to make decisions under pressure. Sometimes they don't go the way you like, sometimes they do. It's definitely good for learning and being in those pressure situations will only benefit us in the long run. If we look back then we might take the three and get the point.”

The tournament has posed significant physical and mental challenges for the squad, with games coming every five days in intense summer heat. Burrow acknowledged how demanding the schedule has been on everyone involved.

“It's a different challenge, not many of us will ever have gone five days, five times in a row before,” he said. “It's tough but equally it's a challenge we've taken in our stride and done the best we can.”

That grind has taken its toll by the end of the competition.

“With the heat and everything else, some boys are getting a bit tired so we are trying to look after ourselves as best we can,” he added.

Throughout the tournament and his time as captain, Burrow had shown himself to be a straightforward, no-nonsense leader. There was no grandstanding, no playing to the crowd, just a strong belief in doing things properly and meaning what he said.

“It's just the way I am. If you don't mean it, it's pointless saying it. I'd only ever do or say something if I think it's got value or is what I genuinely believe in and hopefully I play like that. Sometimes I might let myself down a little bit after trying my best but, it's pointless saying things you don't believe and not acting by yourself.”

Raised in Yorkshire, Burrow has came through the strong Yorkshire Rugby Academy pathway, and he took great pride in the role his roots had played in his development. Talking about why the YRA has been so successful in producing players, he said, “Because it's a hell of a county. It's brilliant that the opportunity is still there for lads like myself, Tye (Raymont) and Alfie (Longstaff) to progress into the game.

"The work that Stuart Dixon and Tom Gilchrist do there has provided us all with the foundations to push on into the professional game and without their work, we wouldn't be where we are. We do owe a lot to the academy and hopefully they will keep producing talents for years to come. I've no doubt they will.”

While the north-south divide remains a running joke among the squad, Burrow made it clear that the team had been united in mindset and purpose.

“Not too dissimilar, we're all 19/20 year old rugby players and all have similar mindsets. Sometimes there might be a bit of banter between north and south, them calling us whatever for being stupid and us calling them whatever for being soft, there's a little bit of that going back and forth. But generally, we're all pretty similar in mindset and banter.”

Looking back on four years in the England youth system, the Sale lock spoke warmly about the impact it had on both his rugby and his character.

“It's been excellent. I've been part of it for four years now and made lots of memories, lots of different mates along the way. Some of my biggest learnings have been how to be as a professional. It's easy when you're away from camps to slip standards potentially but when you're in this environment, it's such a professional environment that you pick up different bits and bobs from players, coaches, staff and try and piece those things together for yourself. It definitely helps you become a better player and a better bloke.”