The match will probably be Tub’s first Champions Cup semi-final in 20 years. Arundell too has taken a longer-than-expected route thus far.
As a rugby-mad schoolboy at Beechen Cliff in Tub, the membership had been the apparent profession alternative.
Arundell’s team-mates Miles Reid (4 years above), Tom de Glanville (three years above), Ethan Staddon (a 12 months above) and Vilikesa ‘Billy’ Sela (two years under) had been all tied to Tub’s academy from the state faculty’s rugby programme.
However, aged 14, Henry’s abilities, and his father’s profession, took him elsewhere. His father Ralph received a job with Harrow Faculty in north-west London. Henry received a scholarship.
In London Irish’s catchment space, he made his Exiles debut in November 2021, shortly after his nineteenth birthday. A number of scorching scores adopted, most notably a jaw-dropping 98m virtuoso run in opposition to Toulon,, exterior earlier than he was named in England’s squad to tour Australia.
Nevertheless, London Irish went into administration in June 2023 and Arundell opted for a transfer to French membership Racing 92.
It did not prove as he had hoped.
Damage and iffy performances checked his progress. Former England coach Stuart Lancaster, who had introduced Arundell to the membership, was sacked in February 2025 amid some depressing outcomes.
“There have been moments the place your kind will not be nice or you might have accidents – and that may have an impact,” he says.
“You discover essentially the most development in adversity and there have been undoubtedly issues I gained – a number of talent stuff and understanding from working with [All Black legend] Joe Rokocoko as a back-three coach and assault stuff from [former France fly-half] Freddie Michalak.
“You be taught lots from the gamers round you, the likes of Siya Kolisi, Gael Fickou, Josua Tuisova. You are enjoying with large names.
“When Owen [Farrell] got here for my second 12 months that was somebody English that I may chat to and actually be taught from.
“On the finish of the day although, I used to be a 20-year-old child out in France dwelling by myself and generally you do want household round you.
“I am seeing my household each week now, somewhat than each few months. Having that assist system may be very particular and I in all probability did not respect that sufficient after I was a bit youthful.”
