‘Part of the job, isn’t it?’ Noah Caluori on pain, pressure and second-season syndrome

Noah Caluori Tackles Second-Season Syndrome with Resilience and Ambition

The Guardian Sport
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Noah Caluori is proactively addressing the potential pitfalls of second-season syndrome as he sets his sights on a spot in England’s World Cup squad next year. After a breakout season where he emerged as a joint top try-scorer, Caluori aims to elevate his game further despite the challenges ahead.

The 19-year-old’s rise was remarkable, especially as he played through a severe wrist injury for much of the previous season. He sustained this injury in December, tearing ligaments in his right hand, yet managed to earn his first two caps for England over the summer.

When faced with the decision to undergo surgery, which would sideline him until the end of the Premiership, or to play through the pain, Caluori chose the latter, motivated by the desire to help Saracens reach the playoffs. He reflects:

"I’m pretty happy with the decision I made, because I’m back pretty soon... It’s part of the job that I signed up for, isn’t it?"

Caluori will miss the start of the new season due to recovery but is determined to regain his form before England's November Tests at Twickenham. With Brendan Venter taking over the coaching duties at Saracens, Caluori acknowledges he will be a marked man this season.

He emphasizes the importance of mentality in maintaining his success, stating:

"I don’t think I’m that type of person, I’m very hungry for everything that I’ve seen other people do."

As he reflects on his impressive first season, Caluori remains focused on continuous improvement, determined to build on his achievements and avoid complacency. He aims to hone his skills further to stay ahead of his rivals and continue to make an impact on the pitch.

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