Part and parcel of England's coaching team during their victorious U20s World Championship success in South Africa this summer, Thomas believes there is now a glut of performers destined to make their mark on the big stage.
In what was a dominant tournament from start to finish from Mark Mapletoft's side, England denied France a fourth championship in a row as they themselves completed a Six Nations and World Championship double with a 2113 victory in Cape Town.
Tries from Joe Bailey and Arthur Green, coupled with the boot of Sean Kerr, proved enough for England to claim the crown for the first time since 2016.
For Thomas and his fellow coaches - it was a fitting finale to a season in which England's youngsters came alive and underlined their burgeoning talent to the masses.
"It's been a fantastic year working with them," said Thomas, right, England's defence coach. "It obviously started with the Six Nations, then we had a tour of Georgia for ten days, before going to the World Cup, which was the icing on the cake.
"To go through the whole tournament and win every game, it was an incredible journey and massively enjoyable for all of us. We were out there for 30 days, not much time off, but at no point did you feel like a drag.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin August 04, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin August 04, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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.
