England talent pool strongest since 2003 says Thomas
WORCESTER head coach Jonathan Thomas believes Ollie Lawrence and Ted Hill are victims of the English rugby scene being at its strongest since the World Cup-winning era of Clive Woodward.
Centre Lawrence and back row Hill were both left out of Eddie Jones’ squad for the Autumn Nations Series after being included in a training group last month.
Lawrence has won seven caps since 2020 and Warriors club captain Hill won his two caps in 2018, against Japan, and this summer against USA.
Thomas, the former Wales flanker won 67 caps and played against Martin Johnson’s World Cup winners in the quarter-final in Brisbane in 2003 as the Welsh gave England a scare before losing 28-17.
And the Warriors head coach, below, says Lawrence and Hill have an unenviable task competing for national spots – especially in midfield and back row where England are stacked with talent.
He said: “I am really disappointed for both of them. When you are a young man and get a taste of international action, it is your dream growing up, you want more – it is like a drug. Eddie gave them both positive feedback but what I would say about English rugby is there is an unbelievable amount of talent in the country.
“I played against the England team of 2003 when there was a huge amount of strength in depth and when you look at the game now there are so many good players. But I am sure they have got big international futures in front of them.
“There are not many countries where there aren’t good back rows but there is a plethora of talent at the moment in all positions, particularly in the centre and back row. I reckon England could pick a fourth team that would be pretty decent.”
Worcester’s England regulars have been thin on the ground with only Ben Te’o winning 20 caps in recent times. But Thomas says there is no reason for Lawrence and Hill to increase their international prospects by heading to a more fashionable club.
Thomas added: “Those days have gone a little bit. Maybe in the old days the English players would come from the top four or five clubs but I don’t think that happens any more. There is a good representation of clubs in the squad and you are seeing players from all clubs in there.
“Eddie has been quite consistent in that he has gone with a group of players he has believed in but he is also now showing he is willing to give opportunities to young English talent and it doesn’t matter where they come from.
“Let’s not forget Ted and Ollie have been selected for England playing for Worcester and that is something that has not happened to too many players in the recent history of the club. That is not an issue for me, Eddie and his coaches want to pick the best players and talent.”