Gloucester Rugby’s rising star Seb Atkinson is gearing up for a defining moment as he prepares to face one of his biggest influences, Springbok inside centre Damian de Allende, in England’s Nations Championship opener against South Africa this Saturday.
Atkinson, who made his Gallagher Premiership debut against Manu Tuilagi and faced powerhouse Andre Esterhuizen in his first league start, now faces a formidable challenge at Ellis Park. There, he will go head-to-head with de Allende—a seasoned veteran with an imposing physical presence and 97 international caps. The 6’2”, 17-stone centre has been integral to South Africa’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
Drawing inspiration from the Springbok great, Atkinson acknowledges the similarities in their playing styles but emphasizes forging his own path. “I’ve been watching Damian and other South African centres for years. He’s an exceptional ball carrier with excellent ball-handling skills, traits I’ve aimed to develop in my game,” Atkinson explained. “I won’t try to copy him, but his confidence and how unapologetically he plays have inspired me.”
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The 23-year-old Gloucester man prides himself on balanced decision-making during games and views this encounter as a valuable opportunity to test himself against world-class talent. “Playing against the best pushes you to elevate your game. It’s exciting to measure myself on such a stage.”
Atkinson’s immense fitness—highlighted by his world record in the demanding ‘Bronco Test’ at 4 minutes and 8 seconds—is an asset, especially as England acclimatizes to the altitude of Ellis Park, which sits nearly 1,800 meters above sea level. “The first few days were tough to catch my breath, but our training has helped us adjust,” he said. “Maybe I’ll add altitude training to my routine to shave seconds off my Bronco time!”
South Africa’s lineup includes several stars such as Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, and captain Siya Kolisi, showcasing a balanced mix of experience and talent. But Atkinson remains focused on making his own mark in what promises to be a thrilling midfield duel.