Paver: Championship a great launchpad
The Rugby Paper|January 21, 2024
ALAN Paver insists the Championship still remains the ‘perfect launchpad’ for young players and coaches to reach the very pinnacle of the modern-day game.
MARK STEVENS
Paver: Championship a great launchpad

Now into his 23rd year at the Cornish Pirates, Paver knows better than most the quality that has been unearthed in the division over a great number of years.

As prolonged discussions between the RFU and the Championship clubs continue over the future funding for the Tier 2 competition, the 46-year-old is adamant that life just below the Premiership remains as vibrant as ever.

“There was a time when you wouldn’t see many coaches from the Championship move into the Premiership, but now you see it quite a lot,” said Paver. “Someone like Lee Blackett, Chris Morgan who was down with us, they are two that come to mind.

“The player route has been there for some time and the successes are clear to see. For so many people, the Championship is the perfect launchpad for them to cut their teeth at that level and go on to bigger and better things.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView all
Stade are heading in right direction
The Rugby Paper

Stade are heading in right direction

IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
The Rugby Paper

Borthwick needs to sort out defence

WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
The Rugby Paper

Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge

HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
All my energy is going into Beziers
The Rugby Paper

All my energy is going into Beziers

IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
The Rugby Paper

Fylde left to count cost of the cards

LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
The Rugby Paper

O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings

EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
The Rugby Paper

It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham

PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
The Rugby Paper

Bristol hit heights to take down champions

BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
The Rugby Paper

Good to see the Eagles soaring again

THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
The Rugby Paper

Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash

FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024