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

2. Vinnie 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