England name Elite Player Squad for 2016

ENGLAND U20 HAVE NAMED THEIR SQUAD FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON WHICH WILL SEE THEM DEFEND THEIR SIX NATIONS TITLE AND COMPETE IN A HOME WORLD RUGBY U20 CHAMPIONSHIP IN MANCHESTER.

The U20 squad forms part of the Player Development Pathway and since its formation in 2007 – replacing the England U21 team – it has an impressive seven-year record.

In 80 matches played, the squad have won 63 and lost just 17. The U20s have won five Six Nations titles (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015) and reached six of the eight World Championship finals, lifting the trophy in 2013 and 2014.

Can Peel will lead the side as Head Coach having held the role of Forwards Coach.  Jon Callard, who filled the post on an interim basis last season, will support with the backs and player mentoring, allowing him to focus on developing the post 20 programme.

Peel said: “Naming a new squad each year is exciting and there are always different combinations and blends of where the players come from.  We have the season to help them improve individually but also the challenge of bringing the talent together and putting it into strong team performances come the Six Nations and then into the World Championship.

“Selection is getting harder each year because we have more and more young players to choose from as a result of all the good work going on within the academies.  Their U18 league has had a positive effect with players regularly competing against tough opposition.  The guys are nurtured well within their clubs getting good opportunities either on loan, in the A league or even in the first team.  We are then privileged to work with the top talent within this group.

“We are constantly assessing where players are at.  The squad is reviewed at Christmas and we can make some changes.  Players will have gone away and worked hard to push for a place.  Equally those who have been named understand that they need to continue improving to keep their place and maximise their potential if they want to be putting their hands up for selection in the Six Nations.   I believe we have a really strong group and if they work well together and perform well, they will have success, it is about being the best they can individually and as a team.”

GeordieFalcon wrote:Jeez man only 1 falcon!!!!?? (Abeit hes  cracker, and Captain)

Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)

LondonTiger wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Jeez man only 1 falcon!!!!?? (Abeit hes  cracker, and Captain)

Just one Tiger too. who the hell are we going to pinch if you stop finding players?

GeordieFalcon wrote:

Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)

Any relation to the Tiger?  That's where he started.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Yeah just read that on the Wuss site.

Big family.

I hope Graham really comes through this season LT.

LondonTiger wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Jeez man only 1 falcon!!!!?? (Abeit hes  cracker, and Captain)

Just one Tiger too. who the hell are we going to pinch if you stop finding players?

LondonTiger wrote:Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)

LondonTiger wrote:Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)