World Cup winner backs England U18 in Leeds

Neil Back

After victories over Ireland and Italy, England know that a win over the old enemy will book them a semi final place in France for a knock out tournament to decide the 6 Nations U18 champions.

Looking ahead to the game, Leeds Carnegie Head Coach Back said: “I think it will be a great contest. Games against Scotland, at whichever level, are always passionate and physical affairs. Here at Leeds Carnegie we are proud to have Dominic Barrow and Marcus Webber in the squad and I am sure they will be looking to produce a strong performance on home soil.

“I remember making my England U18 debut against Australia at Twickenham and it was an immensely proud day for me. Many of that team went on to have long careers at the top level and myself and Tony Underwood both progressed through the ranks to gain full caps for England.

“I had the privilege last weekend to see the England U20 side complete their own Grand Slam with victory over Ireland in Dublin and it shows that the quality of youngsters coming through is very strong."

"We are pleased to host Sunday’s game and I hope that the fans will come out to see some of the stars of the future in action,” added Back.

England U18 Heach Coach John Fletcher is hoping to build on an already impressive season and said: “We’ve had a good years so far, lots of good camps – we’ve played against Ireland and Italy so far and won’t them both, playing quite well in the process.

“But as is the norm with this age group we’ve got some improving to and that’s what we’ll be looking to do over the next three games. The aim at this level is improve game on game, week on week, month by month and that’s what we aim to do and that starts against Scotland on Sunday.

Fletcher added: “All of the countries in the Northern Hemisphere pride themselves on passion and we’re no different. It’s up to us to match our opposition and play our own game and concentrate on doing what we do. We know what Scotland will bring, they’re a committed side and we’ll be ready.

“It’s a great pitch up at Leeds, it’s a top class playing surface and hopefully the crowd will get right behind us. We’ve played there a few times and we’re looking forward to the game.

“We’re missing a few good players, the likes of Jack Nowell, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Anthony Watson are all out injured but that just frees up an opportunity for another player to come in and stake a claim.”  

Admission is £5 for all areas of the ground and car parking is free. Gates will open at 12 noon with kick off at 1pm. A special programme has been produced for the game which will be on sale in the club shop priced £2.