ENGLAND U18s assistant and backs coach Will Parkin was taken aback by the quality of the current group that delivered on their attacking principles whilst on tour.
The 27-20 comeback victory over Georgia, who replaced France due to their player Medhi Narjissi going missing whilst swimming off a beach near Cape Town pre-tournament, was sandwiched between defeats to Ireland (42-28) and South Africa (39-17). While one win from three won't excite supporters, it should be noted that South Africa's and Ireland's squads are both a school year above England at a crucial age in their development.
Parkin told The Rugby Paper: "Firstly, I need to pass on condolences to France and the loss of Medhi.
It started the tournament on a very sad note but it was a great three weeks for our players to experience scenarios they haven't before. The focus for us was to improve over the course of the three games rather than focusing on results.
"With Ireland and South Africa a school year above our boys, there was a clear challenge physicality wise putting them under different pressure than they would have faced before. 17, 18, 19 in rugby is when it starts to become a lot more serious compared to other sports that start a bit earlier."
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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.
