Ryan Storer has joined Harlequins under-21s. The 19-year-old prop, from Hove, is in a 35-strong squad.
They are preparing for the National League season kick-off against London Irish on September 1.
But the Hove Park pupil said: "I needed a kick up the backside from one of my rugby coaches at school, Joe Brooking, to get me where I am. I certainly needed it.
"Another school coach Gary Kernan has been a big help too along with Hove Club."
Storer, 6ft and 16 and a half stone, is looking to follow his hero Jason Leonard at the Premiership club.
He said: "I really admire Jason because he is also a loosehead prop like me, so reliable and a hard man.
"I'd love to follow him at Harlequins and into the England set-up. Maybe one day I may even make the British and Irish Lions.
"I'll give it my best shot. I'd love to be a professional.
"I am committed to Tuesday and Thursday night training and matches with Harlequins. It is up to me to keep working hard to become fitter, stronger and better so I can get a contract at the end of the season."
Storer has already attended training.
He said: "I found it a lot quicker than I'd been used to, but enjoyed it. I met up with an old Sussex player Chris Gorbell, from Haywards Heath, so the county are getting well represented at Quins."
Harlequins under-21 coach Colin Osbourne has been impressed with Storer.
He said: "I have only seen him a couple of times but he looks in good shape and was running well, but he's got a long way to go.
"It is all down to him if he wants to be recommended for a professional contract."
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