BILLY MEAKES has not followed the beaten track to Kingsholm, but now the Gloucester centre is targeting a more orthodox stepping stone on his way to the top, writes Paddy von Behr.

Rather than cutting his teeth at the Cherry & Whites’ faithful Hartpury College breeding ground, Meakes made the trip from Manly RUFC in New South Wales – via Clifton, just 35 miles down the M5.

The former Australian U20 and sevens international, who also holds a British passport, swapped Sydney for the Bristol-based club in England’s National League system.

Gloucester soon came calling and, one year on from his debut, Meakes has featured in the Aviva Premiership, the European Rugby Challenge Cup and the LV= Cup.

And it is in the latter, a proven testing ground for the next generation of internationals, that the 23-year-old is hoping to catch the eye over the next two weeks.

“It was bizarre,” said Meakes of his switch to Clifton RFC back in 2013. “It wasn’t something I had planned on but I got a great opportunity at Clifton.

“Playing in the Premiership was definitely something I wanted to do but I wasn’t sure how quickly it was going to happen – I’m just stoked that it has happened.

“I think this LV= Cup fortnight has come at a really good time, with the internationals away, for players like me to get a good run-out.

“This is the make-or-break time for players in my situation. It’s a chance to show what you have got and let the coaches know they can rely on you in the Premiership.”

Meakes has clearly made an impression on the Gloucester hierarchy over the last 12 months, signing a new contract at Kingsholm two weeks ago.

And after playing his part in a 31-20 victory at Brive last weekend – cementing their home quarter-final in the European Rugby Challenge Cup – he is hoping to continue contributing on all fronts.

“It’s good to get more security and signing a new contract is something I was looking to do at the start of the season,” he added. “I am loving every minute here and it has been nothing but awesome from everyone.

“The away win sealed our campaign in Europe so far and there is a real buzz about the group with the whole European situation.

“It was one of those things – we obviously set out to do that at the start of the year but to do it in that style, I don’t think we expected that.”

Be part of the rugby family at the LV= Cup Final at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton on Sunday, March 22. Visit www.northamptonsaints.co.uk for tickets.