Saints teachings help Dan make cut for England U20s
ENGLAND U20s callup Dan Lancaster aims to show what he is made of after learning valuable lessons from world-class No.10s like Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.
Leeds Tykes playmaker Lancaster, son of former Red Rose head coach Stuart, is one of only two players from outside the Premiership to be summoned for England’s U20s Six Nations campaign but has been tuning-up by taking advice from some of the best.
Lancaster, 19, told The Rugby Paper: “It’s been tough after Leeds’ season ended last March and at the start of lockdown I was training by myself. But then I was fortunate to go to Northampton for six weeks in September and October, which I was massively grateful for.
“Mark Hopley, Northampton’s head of academy, had a few discussions with my dad and I felt I had to be training properly because I wanted to try and be selected for the U20s and didn’t want to fall behind the rest of the group, so it’s worked out really well.
“I wasn’t directly involved in matchdays but
I was able to train alongside Dan Biggar and James Grayson and having a chance to share their knowledge of the game, as well as Tommy Mathews, who’s also in this England U20s squad, was massive for me.
“Biggar’s a top bloke and if I needed to ask anything about the calls, he’d be the first one to help. I learnt a hell of a lot in a short space of time and my dad’s been a great help as well in sending me clips of Leinster’s training and what their guys are doing well.”
Lancaster added: “I spent time at Leinster before and seeing what guys like Johnny Sexton and Ross and Harry Byrne are doing is massive. It’s really helped my understanding of the game and set me up for recent North v South U20s matches, which were good.
“We used 83 players across the four games so it’s been very competitive and I’m looking forward to the Six Nations now. It’s been a tough year after what happened at Leeds but I’m just looking to express myself and show people what I’m made of.”
Lancaster will not be the only famous name involved, with London Irish academy back rower Lucas Brooke, son of legendary All Black Zinzan, and Jonathan Joseph’s younger brother, Will – another Exiles academy product – also included in the 32-man squad.
Brooke’s selection will raise eyebrows in New Zealand but in a recent interview, his father Zinzan said: “Lucas was born here in England and doesn’t know New Zealand at all. My grandparents were English, my wife’s parents are English, so this is home.
“If the kids get the opportunity to play for England that is their choice. It’s a big call but why would you stop your kid just because it’s England – it’s his call.”
Saracens prop Harvey Beaton is the only other player selected from outside the current Premiership elite. Eleven top-flight clubs are represented, with London Irish, Gloucester and Bath topping the list with four players apiece. Oddly, Exeter have missed out.