England's campaign in the IRB Under 21World Cup is the ideal opportunity for a talented youngster to make a name for himself and, perhaps, secure a career in professional rugby.

While a player such as Gloucester winger Marcel Garvey seems set for a glittering international future, there are others in the England squad who have not yet established themselves in their club side.

These include utility threequarter Henry Barratt, who was not only born in Oxford, but also learnt much of his rugby in the city.

After spending two years at The Dragon School, he went on to St Edward's School, Oxford, before being recommended to NEC Harlequins by the school's coach Ben Ryan.

'Teddies' has been a breeding ground for promising young rugby players of late with Jamie Forrester and Jon Goodridge being signed up by Gloucester.

"We're all trying to catch up with Forrester at the moment," said Barratt, who was a talented athlete as a youngster.

At 11, he ran in the 100 metres at the national championships, but it was not long before rugby took precedence.

He was selected in the England Under 19 squad in 2002, and went on to receive his first representative honours at Under 21 level when playing on the right wing against Ireland in this year's Six Nations Championship.

It was a bittersweet occasion. He marked his international debut with a try, but was disappointed that England went down to a 21-20 defeat in Belfast.

Currently a student at Royal Holloway College, London, the 20-year-old, whose family live in Stokenchurch, is keen to make rugby his career.

"I'd love to do that, but it's early days yet," said Barratt, whose only first team experience for Harlequins came in their televised game against Natal Sharks in February.

Four days later, he was on the bench for the Zurich Premiership game against Sale Sharks.

Playing in the same position as Garvey means that he is unlikely to make the starting line-up against Australia tonight.

However his ability to play at centre or wing, makes him a strong candidate to be a replacement.