Chick in England U20s call
Newcastle Falcons Callum Chick will represent England this summer, after being named in Martin Haag’s under 20s squad for the World Rugby Under 20s Championship in Manchester.
Chick is part of a 28 man squad for the tournament, which takes place at the AJ Bell Stadium and Manchester City Academy Stadium from 7-25 June.
The 19 year old, who made his senior team debut in the current season, with two appearances in the European Rugby Challenge Cup is the latest in a proud line of Falcons forwards who have featured in the competition in recent years.
Prop Scott Wilson and second row Will Witty have both been part of an England set up that has a strong record in the tournament, having reached six finals in the last eight years.
But for Chick and his team mates, there is a unique opportunity to play in front of their home supporters.
Ahead of the Championships in June, the squad will meet on 22 May for a week-long training camp in Newcastle with Haag, who was appointed as head coach earlier this year, says it will be important to build a bond and get the team to play with its own identity.
The head coach said: “It’s about driving our own standards and our own identity and in that camp we need to set the tone for how we want to play,” he said. “When we go on that training park we will be short and sharp and play with high intensity. We need to get the learning and education in so that we’re in good shape and also have the right environment heading into the tournament.
“The format of the tournament means you can’t expect anyone to play 80 minutes of every single game, so we’ve picked a strong squad and we’re really looking forward to seeing all these guys in action. Players will, of course, be picked on form but we will be managing workload and how we ensure mental and physical recovery between games.”
England U20s face Italy on 7 June at the Manchester City Academy Stadium and then Scotland on 11 June, before playing Australia at Sale Sharks’ ground, the AJ Bell Stadium, on 15 June.
For tickets and more information about the World Rugby U20 Championship visit: [http://www.englandrugby.com/u20championships][1]/ #FutureStarsofRugby
England Pool B fixtures:
England v Italy (Tuesday 7 June) KO 19:45, Manchester City Academy Stadium
England v Scotland (Saturday 11 June) KO 18:00, Manchester City Academy Stadium
England v Australia (Wednesday 15 June) KO 19:45 AJ Bell Stadium
Semi-finals and knock-out matches (Monday 20 June) Details TBC
Final and knock-out games (Saturday 25 June) Details TBC
[1]: http://www.englandrugby.com/u20championships
