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Nick David
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Key Information
Nick David (born 4 November 1998) is an English rugby union player who competes for Harlequins in the Premiership Rugby.
David became a part of Worcester Warriors academy for the 2017–18 season.[1] David made his senior debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup match against Saracens at Allianz Park in November 2018.[2]
He again impressed against Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final at Sixways Stadium in February 2019 but his season was ended by a shoulder injury which he sustained scoring his first try in that match.[3] David returned to action in the 2019 Premiership Rugby Sevens Series at Northampton in September 2019,[4] and came off the bench in the Premiership Rugby Cup match against Exeter Chiefs at Sixways later in the year.[5] He celebrated his Premiership debut by scoring a try in the 22–21 defeat by Bath at Sixways in February 2020 and scored another try against Bristol Bears the following week, 13–10 in a losing effort.[6][7]
On 17 June 2020, David signed his first professional contract to stay at Worcester at Sixways from the 2020–21 season.[8]
David is a NatWest Cup winner at Under 15 and 18 levels with Warwick School and has featured for England from Under 16 to 19 levels.[9][10][11]
On 19 April 2021, David would leave Worcester to sign for Premiership rivals Harlequins from the 2021-22 season.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "What it takes to turn schoolboy prodigies into Premiership stars". Talking Rugby Union. 3 April 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "MATCH REPORT: SARACENS 34-22 WORCESTER WARRIORS". Premiership Rugby. 12 November 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Worcester 22-38 Saracens". Ultimate Rugby. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "FIXTURES ANNOUNCED FOR 2019 PREMIERSHIP RUGBY 7S". Premiership Rugby. 22 July 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Worcester 19-34 Exeter". Ultimate Rugby. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "ROUND 10 HIGHLIGHTS: WORCESTER WARRIORS V BATH". Premiership Rugby. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Bristol Bears 13-10 Worcester". Ultimate Rugby. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Nick David promoted to senior squad". Warriors. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Warwick School crowned NatWest Schools Cup champions". Stratford Herald. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Worcester Warriors' Nick David called up for England under 18s' tour of South Africa but injured Ted Hill drops out". Malvern Gazette. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Worcester Warriors trio Ted Hill, Joseph Morris and Nick David named in England under 19s squad to tackle France". Worcester News. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Nick David: Harlequins sign Worcester Warriors back". BBC Sport. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
External links
[edit]- Worcester Warriors Profile
- Nick David at ESPNscrum (archived)
- Nick David at ItsRugby.co.uk
- Ultimate Rugby Profile
Nick David
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Education and school rugby
Nick David was born on 4 November 1998 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England.[3][11] David attended Warwick School, an independent day and boarding school in Warwickshire, where he began playing rugby from a young age.[2] His initial exposure to competitive rugby came through the school's junior teams, progressing steadily to the senior squads as he honed his skills as an outside back.[2][3] At Warwick School, David contributed to notable successes in national competitions, including victories in the NatWest Schools Cup at both under-15 and under-18 levels. In 2014, as part of the under-15 team, he helped secure the title with a 17-0 win over Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, at Twickenham Stadium, marking the school's retention of the cup.[12][2] Three years later, in 2017, the under-18 side, featuring David, triumphed 27-5 against Bishop Wordsworth's School in the final at the same venue, claiming the trophy for the second time in school history.[13][2] These achievements underscored his emerging talent during his formative years at the school.Academy development and early achievements
Following his successes in school rugby, Nick David progressed into the Worcester Warriors' junior academy system at the age of 14 before joining the senior academy ahead of the 2017–18 season at the age of 18.[14][15] In the academy, David honed his skills as a full-back and outside back.[16] David made six appearances for the Worcester Cavaliers in the 2017–18 Premiership Rugby A League, contributing to the team's third-place finish in the competition.[15] A notable early achievement came in the 2018 Premiership Rugby 7s, where he scored a try in the Plate Final against Gloucester Rugby, helping the academy side reach the tournament's knockout stage despite a narrow loss.[17] These experiences solidified his reputation for explosive pace and try-scoring ability in youth competitions.Professional club career
Worcester Warriors
Nick David progressed from Worcester Warriors' academy to the senior squad in 2018, marking the start of his professional career with the club.[2] He made his senior debut on November 11, 2018, in a Premiership Rugby Cup match against Saracens at Allianz Park, where Worcester lost 34-22; David delivered a composed performance at full-back, earning man-of-the-match honors for his defensive work and ball-carrying despite the defeat.[18] His Gallagher Premiership debut followed on February 15, 2020, against Bath Rugby, where he scored a try in a 21-22 loss, showcasing his pace and finishing ability early in the top-flight.[4] David's development was interrupted by injury in February 2019, when he sustained a shoulder problem while scoring his first try for Worcester during a Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final against Saracens at Sixways Stadium, ending his season prematurely and limiting his playing time to just a handful of appearances that year.[2] He returned in the 2019/20 season, building momentum with consistent outings as an outside back, often deployed on the wing or at full-back to exploit his speed and evasion skills. In June 2020, David secured his first full professional contract with Worcester, committing to the club through the 2020/21 campaign.[3] The 2020/21 season represented a breakout for David, where he featured prominently in Worcester's attack, finishing second in the Premiership for clean breaks with 22—highlighting his ability to burst through defenses.[19] He ranked fifth league-wide in meters gained, demonstrating his role in generating go-forward ball for the team. Specific contributions included a try against Gloucester Rugby in February 2021 during a 22-14 loss, where he broke multiple tackles to score, and an assist in the buildup to a team try against Newcastle Falcons earlier that season, underscoring his emerging influence as a dynamic outside back.[20] Over his time at Worcester from 2018 to 2021, David made 28 senior appearances, scoring eight tries, and established himself as a key emerging talent in the backline, contributing to team dynamics through his versatility and high-energy play that complemented Worcester's expansive style.[5] His departure came in April 2021, as the club, facing ongoing financial difficulties, could not retain him; this led to his release into free agency and subsequent signing with Harlequins for the 2021/22 season.[5][21]Harlequins
Nick David joined Harlequins ahead of the 2021/22 season as a 22-year-old free agent from Worcester Warriors, bringing his emerging talent to the club following an impressive start in the Premiership.[5] He made his Harlequins debut in November 2021 during an away match against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena, starting on the wing and contributing to the team's efforts in a competitive Premiership fixture.[22] David quickly adapted to the squad's high-tempo style, linking up with familiar faces from his youth career and expressing enthusiasm for the pre-season integration process.[23] Over his tenure, David has established himself as a key outside back, accumulating 76 appearances and 15 tries as of November 2025, with notable progression in the 2022/23 season where his blistering pace and sidestepping ability shone through, covering 1,937 meters, beating 97 defenders, and making 20 clean breaks.[1][24] He has demonstrated versatility, primarily operating on the wing or at full-back, with 53 starts as a winger and 36 at full-back across his career.[10] In the 2024/25 season, his ball-carrying prowess was evident, averaging 4.2 meters per carry while featuring in both Premiership league play and the Premiership Rugby Cup.[1] David's contributions have been pivotal in several high-stakes matches, including scoring the standout try in Harlequins' 39-29 victory over Sharks in the January 2023 Champions Cup pool stage, which secured their progression to the knockout rounds.[25] He also delivered impactful performances in domestic play, such as netting multiple tries across two consecutive Premiership appearances against Newcastle Falcons in early 2024 and beating eight defenders in a single game during the 2024/25 campaign.[26][6] These efforts helped bolster Harlequins' playoff pushes and cup campaigns, showcasing his ability to evade defenders—16 beaten in just eight appearances early in the 2024/25 season.[6] In December 2024, Harlequins announced a contract extension for David, securing his commitment to the club until at least 2026 and affirming his role as a cornerstone of the backline amid ongoing squad stability efforts.[27][6] This renewal followed a prior extension in 2023 and highlighted his growing importance, with the 26-year-old expressing deep attachment to the team as his professional home.[28]International career
Under-16 and under-18 levels
Nick David's international career began at the under-16 level in 2015, following standout performances at Warwick School that drew the attention of England selectors.[3] He was selected for the England U16 squad representing the North region at the BMW Wellington International Festival in April 2015, where the team faced Scotland U16 in a competitive match.[29] Later that month, David started at full-back for the England U16 XV against Wales U16 in Caerphilly, contributing to a dominant 34-0 victory that highlighted the team's defensive solidity and attacking prowess.[30][31] Progressing to the under-18 level in 2016, David earned a starting position at full-back for the England U18 'A' team—primarily comprising under-17 players—in the U18 5 Nations Festival.[32] He featured on the right wing in the lineup against Italy at St Helen's in Swansea, marking his entry into more structured international competition against European opponents.[32] David's under-18 experience culminated in 2017 with selection for England's summer development tour to South Africa, where he was part of the 26-player squad assembled by head coach Jim Mallinder.[33][34] During the tour's final match against South Africa Schools on August 19 in Stellenbosch, David scored a try in the second half, helping England secure a 52-22 win after trailing 22-31 at halftime; his contribution, alongside tries from Cadan Murley and Sam Spink, underscored his growing ability to break defenses under pressure.[35][36] This tour provided key opportunities to refine his speed and line-breaking skills against high-caliber opposition, building on his school and early academy form.[37]Under-19 and under-20 levels
David progressed to the England Under-19 squad in 2017, marking a key step in his youth international development following earlier age-grade appearances.[38] In late March 2017, he was named in the squad for a friendly international against France, held on April 1 at Stade Jules Ladoumègue in Massy. England fell to a 35-22 defeat in a closely contested match, with David featuring from the bench as a replacement.[39][40][41] This Under-19 outing represented the highest level of David's youth international career, with no subsequent appearances recorded at the Under-20 tier, such as in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. As of November 2025, he has not earned any senior England caps, amid strong competition for backline positions from established players.[27]Playing style and career statistics
Playing attributes
Nick David primarily operates as a wing, often on the right side (position 14), though he has also featured at left wing (11) and full-back (15), showcasing his versatility in the back three. His positional flexibility allows him to contribute across the rear guard, with a preference for the right wing where his attacking instincts are most pronounced.[6][27] David's key strengths lie in his explosive attacking play, highlighted by an electric sidestep that enables him to evade defenders effectively, complemented by impressive pace that has seen him make notable clean breaks in matches. At 1.83 meters tall and weighing 90 kg, his lean physique emphasizes agility and speed over raw power, facilitating quick acceleration and line breaks, as evidenced by his ability to beat multiple defenders per carry in Premiership fixtures. He also possesses strong aerial skills, aiding in contesting high balls and regaining possession under pressure, which bolsters his value in both offensive and territorial battles.[42][43][10] Defensively, David maintains a solid tackle completion rate of around 90%, but he has occasionally struggled with missed tackles, posting a miss rate of approximately 10% in recent seasons, which can expose gaps in the backline. His career has been hampered by injury susceptibility, particularly recurring shoulder issues that sidelined him in 2019 and the latter part of the 2023/24 campaign, limiting his consistency and availability.[1][6][4] Among coaches and analysts, David is regarded as an exciting attacking threat, with Harlequins' staff praising his dynamic style that aligns with the club's expansive, high-tempo rugby philosophy, drawing favorable comparisons to pacey English wingers of the past for his flair on the outside. In December 2024, David signed a new contract with Harlequins, with Director of Rugby Danny Wilson praising his "lethal sidestep and blistering pace" and versatility as a wing or full-back.[4][44][6]Professional statistics
Nick David has made 102 senior professional appearances across his career with Worcester Warriors and Harlequins, scoring 21 tries for a total of 105 points.[8]Career Totals by Season and Competition
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Starts | Tries | Points | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | Worcester | Premiership Rugby Cup | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 136 |
| 2019/20 | Worcester | Guinness Premiership | 7 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 525 |
| 2019/20 | Worcester | European Rugby Challenge Cup | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 300 |
| 2020/21 | Worcester | Guinness Premiership | 12 | 12 | 3 | 15 | 908 |
| 2020/21 | Worcester | European Rugby Challenge Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 80 |
| 2021/22 | Harlequins | Guinness Premiership | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 183 |
| 2021/22 | Harlequins | Premiership Rugby Cup | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 205 |
| 2021/22 | Harlequins | European Rugby Champions Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
| 2022/23 | Harlequins | Guinness Premiership | 17 | 14 | 3 | 15 | 1,092 |
| 2022/23 | Harlequins | European Rugby Champions Cup | 5 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 400 |
| 2023/24 | Harlequins | Guinness Premiership | 12 | 11 | 5 | 25 | 836 |
| 2023/24 | Harlequins | European Rugby Champions Cup | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 319 |
| 2024/25 | Harlequins | Guinness Premiership | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 864 |
| 2024/25 | Harlequins | Premiership Rugby Cup | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 331 |
| 2024/25 | Harlequins | European Rugby Champions Cup | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 320 |
| 2025/26 | Harlequins | Guinness Premiership | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 133 |
| 2025/26 | Harlequins | Premiership Rugby Cup | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 160 |
| Totals | Worcester | All Competitions | 27 | 25 | 8 | 40 | 1,949 |
| Totals | Harlequins | All Competitions | 75 | 61 | 13 | 65 | 4,939 |
| Career Total | 102 | 91 | 21 | 105 | 7,174 |
