Academy boss Pendlebury takes up head coach role with England U18s

WASPS can have confirmed academy manager Jonathan Pendlebury will be leaving the club to join the RFU as England Under 18s head coach.

During his time with Wasps, Pendlebury has overseen the development of a number of young players – including eight players graduating from the senior academy to the first-team, along with 11 Under 18s moving into the senior academy set-up this season.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Jon has done a great job with the Academy over the past couple of years and leaves it in a healthy place.

“With eight Senior Academy boys moving up to the first-team and 11 Under 18s joining the Senior Academy this season, we’ve now got that flow of young talent coming through the system and that’s a testament to the hard work Jon and his team have done. We’re sorry to see him leave but we wish him all the best in his new role with the RFU.”

Pendlebury will lead England U18s through their standalone fixtures at the start of 2020, as well as next year’s U18 Six Nations Festival and summer development tour. He will work with schools and the 14 regional academies to help identify and develop the next generation of England players.

Pendlebury said: “I’m really honoured and excited to be taking on this role with England Rugby and helping guide the next generation of talent coming through the international player pathway.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wasps where, as a team, we’ve managed to develop and help a lot of fantastic young players progress through the system.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to all the academy players and parents, academy stakeholders and volunteers across our regional areas.

“I would like to say a big thank you to them, and also to Chairman Derek Richardson for his support and Head of Academy & Recruitment Kevin Harman for his drive.”