Tommy Freeman stands on the cusp of becoming a pivotal figure for England in the upcoming Six Nations championship. The Northampton Saints back, known for his versatile skill set, arrives for our conversation brandishing a golf club – a fitting symbol of his multi-talented approach to sport. Thankfully, the interview proceeds without any need for its non-sporting application, as Freeman's focus is firmly on rugby's immediate future.
From Callow Youth to Test-Match Animal
Following Northampton's crucial Premiership clash against Sale this Saturday, Freeman will immerse himself in England's Six Nations camp, not emerging until mid-March after the tournament's concluding fixture in Paris. While France enter as favourites, England's impressive run of eleven consecutive Test victories under Steve Borthwick suggests the final match at Stade de France could well decide the championship. Freeman, whose ever-improving form mirrors the effervescence of both his club and country, is central to these ambitions.
Reflecting on his journey, Freeman admits he wasn't fully prepared for international rugby when first selected by Eddie Jones in 2022. Today, however, his combination of prodigious strength, blistering pace, exceptional ball-handling, relentless work-rate, adaptability, and game intelligence marks him as a genuine Test-match competitor. Andy Farrell's faith was evident last summer when Freeman started all three British & Irish Lions Tests in Australia. At just 24, he now finds himself discussing the "young boys" emerging in Northampton's buoyant squad, a testament to his own rapid development.
The Secret: Thinking Less, Playing More
When asked what he's learned about performing at rugby's highest level, Freeman's answer is strikingly simple yet profound. "It's to do with thinking a lot less," he reveals. "You can go in and want to try to impress the coaches, to get your hands on the ball. When you've got that mentality sometimes you get a bit lost because you're chasing the ball everywhere."
He continues: "Now I know the ball's going to come and I just play rugby. You need to relax and do what you do at your club. Yes it's big pressure, yes it's 80,000 people watching, but at the end of the day it's just rugby. The sooner you pick that up the better it is for you." This mental shift from overthinking to instinctive play has been transformative for the young wing.
Club and Country Synergy
Freeman's recent experience at outside-centre during Northampton's hard-fought victory over Scarlets – which secured a home Champions Cup knockout tie against Castres – required patience and discipline. These qualities will be even more crucial during the Six Nations' intense pressure. "At 13 sometimes you don't get as many opportunities," Freeman notes, having played most of his senior rugby on the wing but also covering full-back. "When they come you've got to make the most of them. There's some cues I've picked up – foot speed, control – that you've got to look out for. It's not just as easy as running off shoulders."
England's Buzzing Camp Environment
England will soon depart for warm-weather training in Girona before settling into their tournament base at Pennyhill Park. Freeman speaks enthusiastically about the current squad environment, highlighting continuity of selection as a significant advantage. "It's a great squad," he says. "The same faces, which is always good. You're around similar people, playing what you're used to, and really getting to know the connections with those players."
He describes Pennyhill Park as "an awesome place to go with the facilities and everything: it's the top of the top and you're with the best players in the country." Notably, Freeman points to improved work-life balance within the setup: "Something England have improved massively from when I first went in is the ability to switch off: things are going on, darts and bits and pieces. I can't wait."
Balancing Attack and Tactical Kicking
While England have displayed attractive rugby recently, their emphasis on tactical kicking differs from Northampton's more expansive approach. When asked if Borthwick's side primarily aims to play in opposition territory, Freeman offers a nuanced perspective. "I wouldn't say that," he responds. "You've got to think risk-reward. We want to play heads-up rugby with England – we want to move the ball and play at our edge if we need to. We want the quickest and best way to get out of our half to put pressure on."
He elaborates: "If that's through a competitive kick in the air, if that's going long and getting a good chase, or playing out the back and kicking from an edge, it's whatever suits best." This strategic flexibility will be essential against the varied challenges presented by Six Nations opponents.
The Immediate Challenge: Sale Away
Before international duty consumes his attention, Freeman faces a significant Premiership challenge as Northampton travel to seventh-placed Sale, who are desperate to boost their playoff chances. "They're a physical bunch and we haven't won there for a while so we've got a big challenge ahead," Freeman acknowledges. "In terms of the way they're going in the Prem, I think this game's pretty big for them."
A Freeman-inspired victory could see Northampton resume domestic action in two months' time still topping the Premiership. However, the Six Nations – a crucial staging post ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup – will soon become his sole focus. With his refined mental approach and versatile skill set, Tommy Freeman stands ready to be a key protagonist in England's championship pursuit, embodying the blend of individual brilliance and collective ambition that defines successful Test rugby.
