I need to play to keep my shirt, Watson tells Eddie
ANTHONY Watson has begged Eddie Jones to ditch plans he has to give him an autumn break.
The Bath star, who was outstanding in the Lions drawn series against the All Blacks, does not want to miss out against Argentina, Australia and Samoa.
Watson is keen to build on his New Zealand success rather than sit and watch the November games at Twickenham. One reason is he still fears someone else may grab his white jersey!
He said “I can fully understand (being rested) in terms of how many tough club games we play and with international rugby in the middle it is very tough on the body and mentally strenuous so I can fully understand.
“But having missed so many internationals last year I’d prefer to play.
“Watching England from the stand when you could have played is always tough.”
Watson, 23, endured long spells out with a hamstring injuy and boken jaw last season. He said: “I had a one to one with Eddie at Lensbury last month and he still wants me to work on my speed.”
Watson plays for England on the wing but many see him as the next fullback.
He added: “Who knows what Eddie wants to do with me but I’ve said all along I’m happy to play in both positions or wherever he wants me. “You have to look over your shoulder 100 per cent. There are so many world class wingers in the Premiership. The boys who went out to Argentina put their hands up, like Marland Yarde, Denny Solomona and Jonny May.
“So for guys returning from Lions duty it is important for us to come back hungry and determined to get a place in the side.”
Watson celebrated his successful New Zealand campaign by going on holiday to Fiji with England and Lions team-mate Kyle Sinckler followed by a “boys outing to Las Vegas”.
But he still has that Lions experience firmly in mind and claims: “I felt I grew as an individual throughout the tour.
“The coolest thing was getting to know guys who I had only played against. I learned a lot off Jonny Sexton.”