ROOKIE hooker Jack Singleton has handled the “big jump” from academy rugby to the Premiership, according to Worcester Warriors head coach Carl Hogg.

The highly-rated 20-year-old front-rower had a big hand in Warriors’ 24-17 victory against star-studded Harlequins last weekend.

The England under 20s star got the nod ahead of Georgian international Jaba Bregvadze, 29, and played the full 80 minutes as Warriors completed all 18 line-outs on his throws.

Their line-out has creaked dreadfully at times, particularly in the 28-20 Boxing Day defeat at Bristol.

But Hogg said: “Jack played very well last week against Harlequins as a hooker and a front-five forward.

“It’s a big jump from the academy to the Premiership and a big ask but he handled it very well.

“His set-piece was very good and he was very active around the track.”

Singleton, who joined the academy in 2014, has made 11 first-team appearances for the club this term, including five in the top flight.

The ex-Saracens youngster was a regular for England under 20s last season.

His maturity at the set-piece should give Hogg confidence as first-choice hooker Niall Annett is still a few weeks away from full training after ankle surgery.

Hogg admitted: “We’ve had an issue with consistency in the line-out. Some of that was down to personnel and some due to the opposition.

“Your set-piece and breakdown are the foundations of your game and you are continually working on it throughout the season.

“Premiership rugby is about the set-piece and gaining field position.”

Warriors’ set-piece will need to be built on solid foundations today at Gloucester (3pm) who normally excel in that facet.

“Kingsholm is a tough place to go because there’s always a strong crowd behind the hosts,” said ex-Gloucester coach Hogg.

“But winning gives you confidence and momentum.

“Last weekend, when we had a forward pack which got some dominance around scrum and Ryan Mills put us in the right areas, we looked an energised and competitive group.

“We challenged our leaders to step up and lead us through a difficult time — and we need that to continue.”