The Meteoric Rise of Sale Sharks’ Asher Opoku-Fordjour: A Prodigy in the Making
Published on May 14, 2024 at 08:55 BST and updated at 09:17 BST, this BBC rugby union news article profiles the rise of 19-year-old Sale Sharks prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, who is considered one of the brightest young talents in English rugby.
Opoku-Fordjour, who recently won the rising star award at the Rugby Black List awards, is already eyeing lofty goals, declaring his ambitions to play for the British & Irish Lions and the England national team. Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, has been effusive in his praise, describing the teenager’s talents as an “understatement.”
The article highlights Opoku-Fordjour’s unique skillset, with the ability to scrum and move like a loose forward, making him a rare talent as a tighthead prop. Despite his young age, the former winger has already made his Premiership debut, and is now looking to continue his progression with England Under-20s this summer, with his sights set on the senior team in the years to come.
“Opoku-Fordjour has a big future,” declared former England center Luther Burrell, who interrupted the interview to share his thoughts.
England and Sale fly-half George Ford also lauded the teenager’s mentality and drive to improve, further emphasizing the exceptional potential of this young prodigy.
With Sale still in the hunt for a Premiership play-off spot, Opoku-Fordjour can look back on an impressive debut season at the top level, with the article suggesting that the “only way is up” for the talented youngster in the campaigns to come.
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