THE son of one of Warrington Wolves' former Kiwi internationals has made his official debut for England.
Zach Mercer, whose dad Gary had two spells with The Wire over a 13-year-period, featured off the bench for England rugby union team in yesterday's 12-11 autumn international success against South Africa at Twickenham.
The 21-year-old was born in Leeds where Gary was on the books of the city's rugby league team from 1992-1997.
Gary joined Leeds from The Wire, whom he helped to win the Regal Trophy against his first English club Bradford in 1991.
Playing for The Wire in his first spell with the club
He had three seasons in his first spell at Wilderspool, joining the club at the same time as hooker Duane Mann, and represented the club in the Challenge Cup Final defeat against Wigan at Wembley in 1990.
Signing for The Wire along with Duane Mann in 1989
Gary also played and coached at Halifax before having a swansong with The Wire in 2001.
Gary Mercer playing for the Wire in 2001
After his coaching term at Castleford Tigers ended in 2004, Gary moved to Scotland to take up a position with rugby union club Glasgow Warriors.
Now 52, he has stayed in the 15-man code since and is currently head coach at Biggar RFC in South Lannarkshire.
This is how son Zach's association with rugby union started and culminated in being handed his England top-flight debut by Eddie Jones, who now has another former Wire star Jon Clarke working on his conditioning team.
During the current England rugby league versus New Zealand series, which sees the rivals meet at Anfield in the second Test today, it is worth noting that Gary played for the Kiwis in three World Cup matches while on Warrington's books.
And it was while with The Wire, under coach Brian Johnson, that he successfully converted from an outside back to a hard-working and dangerous running back-row forward.
ZACH MERCER BIOG (By Nathan Okell):
England's Zach Mercer in action during the Autumn International match at Twickenham on November 3. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire
Zach Mercer, son of former Warrington Wolves back-rower Gary Mercer, made his international rugby union debut against South Africa on November 3, 2018
Mercer, who plays for Aviva Premiership side Bath, is originally of Māori ancestry, however was born in Leeds at the time his father was playing league for the Rhinos
The flanker served his apprenticeship in the 2017 Autumn International squad
After spending his early years in Yorkshire, Mercer moved with his family to Scotland at the age of eight
It was here that he joined the academy of the Glasgow Warriors, and moved on to join Bath in 2015
Mercer’s Bath debut came in September 2016, when he took to the field in a Premiership fixture against Newcastle Falcons
After qualifying for Scotland through residency he played for Scotland U16s, however in March 2015, he chose to represent England U18 at the U18 European Championship
On 27 May 2018, Mercer made his England first-team debut at flanker, but this was in a non-test match against the Barbarians.
During the match he scored a first half-try, however could not help his side avoid a 63-45 loss against an experienced line-up.
KIWIS TO HAVE REPRESENTED WARRINGTON WOLVES:
1. Louis Anderson
3. Roy Asotasi
4. Tukere Barlow
5. Rex Dalzell
6. Henry Fa’afili
7. Freddie French
8. Bryson Goodwin
9. Roy Hazelhurst
10. Richard Henare
11. Peta Hiku
12. Lewis Hudson.
13. Bill Johnston.
14. David Kidwell
15. Rex King
16. Toa Kohe-Love
17. Duane Mann
18. George Mann
19. Dallas Mead
20. Gary Mercer
21. Cec Mountford
22. Roby Muller
23. David Murray
24. Tawera Nikau
25. Richard Papakura
26. Keith Pitman
27. Pat Poasa
28. Wayne Poutama
29. Ike Proctor
30. Paul Rauhihi
31. Albert Renwick
32. Joe Ropati
33. Charlie Seeling
34. Kelly Shelford
35. David Solomona
36. Matt Sturm
37. Anthony Swann
38. Logan Swann
39. Willie Swann
40. Kevin Tamati
41. Tony Tatupu
42. Brendon Tuuta
43. Nigel Vagana
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