Callard: Tyro Bath duo can keep England running hot
BUDDING Bath duo Charlie Ewels and Jack Walker can help take English rugby to the next level, says Jon Callard.
Former England full-back Callard, who recently left the RFU after 12 years as national academy manager and international performance coach, reckons England’s strength-indepth has never been greater.
And he identifies 21-year-old lock forward Ewels, recently capped at Saxons level, and former U20s hooker Walker, 20, as two of the brightest talents ahead of the new campaign.
Callard told The Rugby Paper: “Charlie went to South Africa with the Saxons this summer and that tour was designed for people coming out of the U20s programme to keep them connected with the seniors – and in Charlie’s case it worked perfectly. “Physically, he’s still got a lot of development in him, but as a leader, he’s definitely someone who could light up this season’s Premiership and be an England player. “It’s not just his playing ability at the scrum and lineout, last season he worked hard on his carrying, handling and leadership, which was a big focus for him.” Whilst Ewels already has Premiership game time under his belt, two-time Junior World Cup winner Walker is lookhis ing to make his mark after joining from Yorkshire Carnegie.
Callard believes he could thrive under new Bath boss Todd Blackadder: “Jack has proved himself in three U20s World Cups. He’s shown his quality and if Todd Blackadder adopts Crusaders tactics, with four forwards in the middle and two out either side, that could suit Jack tremendously well.
“Jack’s a fantastic footballer who’s very skilful and could play inside-centre if he wanted to. He can’t forget the fundamentals of scrum, lineout and throwing, but I’m hoping he’ll come through with flying colours and challenge an England place.
“We’ve seen how Ford, Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola have helped England get to the next level, so, along with the likes of Harry Mallinder and Joe Marchant, there’s no reason why Charlie and Jack can’t do the same.”
Meanwhile, Callard believes the emergence of Leicester’s Will Evans and Northampton’s Lewis Ludlam will keep the battle for the No.7 shirt honest.
Callard said: “Will Evans got an opportunity at Leicester and took it well, and he was superb for the 20s at the Junior World Cup. Openside is in a fantastic place looking forward and I think the world of Lewis Ludlam, who could really set the benchmark for that England openside position.
“Just underneath that, there’s a lad at Worcester called Zac Xiourouppa who’s pretty special, while Sale have Ben and Tom Curry.
“Not many people will have heard of these guys, but from that group you’re looking at developing two or three world-class No.7s.”
Of England’s future, Callard adds: “England’s going into a great era with the nucleus of players and coaches they’ve got. You’re seeing the fruits of the academy system and the clubs and RFU working in partnership, so it’s very exciting.
“I’ve had 12 good years with the Union and we’ve seen the whole depth chart expanding in every position.”