Captain Fraser Dingwall has already experienced life at the highest level, making two appearances for the senior England team, and he is joined by fellow internationals, tighthead Joe Heyes and back rowers, Tom Pearson and Tom Willis in the XV. But the remainder of a largely youthful matchday squad is uncapped – for now.
“I do believe some of these guys are next in line. That shows you where the Under-20s have been recently and the potential we’ve got in this country that we do have 21, 22-year-olds that are the next in line,” said the Bath coach.
“I’m sure there’ll be a few of these boys in here that within 18 months they’ll have played international rugby that are playing at the weekend. So I do see it as a little bit closer than just maybe an Under-23s type team.”
One player destined for higher honours according to Blackett is Bath prop Vilikesa (Billy) Sela, who was originally named in the squad but had to withdraw because of injury.
“He’s been fantastic recently. He is a guy with loads of potential. There is a lot of good young props, they’ve played a lot of rugby, and I think in a couple of years’ time they will be reaching their peak.
“I have high expectations of Billy. He’s hungry and I think if he keeps working, he’ll have his day. I am sure we are going to see him play plenty of games for England.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 17, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 17, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
