Andrew hails new era for England
Fri, 16 May 2008 19:00
England Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew believes that England's tours to New Zealand and North America mark the start of a new era for English rugby.
Andrew insists that the building blocks of England's future are now in place, according to a Rugby Football Union (RFU) media release.
"Our elite England Under-18s are unbeaten, as are our Under-20s, who won the Grand Slam this year, and the Saxons haven't been beaten for two years," he said.
"If you look at the strength of the squad going to Canada and the USA for the Barclays Churchill Cup, we've got a real succession plan and a strong pathway right through the system.
"When you look at the new deal between club and country that'll take us through the next two World Cups, it's pretty ground breaking stuff.
"It's a bit of a new era. Come July 1 when Martin Johnson start as England Team Manager, we'll have the structure in place for elite rugby and peace in our time with the clubs. We can look forward to building a really successful England set up."
But Andrew's more immediate concern is next month's tour to New Zealand. And he knows that coming away with anything against the All Blacks is always a tall order.
"The All Blacks have played some of the best rugby in the world over the past two to three years. You have to be playing at a level of intensity and skill that you've probably not been at before – that's what our players have to rise to.
"Steve [Borthwick] captained the side in the Six Nations against Italy. He has the respect of squad and has done a great job leading Bath as well.
"There are a lot of players who have been playing at the top of their form in the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup. And there are a lot of younger players who have come in and who will be looking to go on and make international careers for themselves.
"But we're under no illusions. This will be a particularly tough assignment."
While Borthwick's men seek success Down Under, England Saxons will be attempting to retain their Churchill Cup crown.
"We've done well in the past," said head coach Steve Bates. "We're holders and therefore I see no reason why we shouldn't have high hopes of repeating that this year.
"We've got a very exciting squad. I've no doubt that this group of players over time will make a fantastic team. Whether or not we can turn that round in four days (between arriving and the first game) will be the big challenge.
"From a Saxons point of view, this year's tournament is more important that ever."
Under the new agreement between the clubs and the union, from July 1 the two (England and Saxons) squads will have to be picked and announced for the whole season and call ups to the senior squad will have to come from the Saxons squad.
"So getting into that Saxons squad will be a very important stepping stone towards senior international rugby. And this trip is probably the last opportunity the players will get to put themselves forward for selection," said Bates.
"And I'll be telling the players that the best way to do that is to comeback with the trophy."
