Why Bristol star Jason Woodward will put heat on Mike Brown
England-qualified Woodward has proved a revelation since arriving from Super Rugby champions Hurricanes in November, with his impressive all-round game, goal-kicking and attackminded interventions inspiring a Bristol revival.
Woodward failed to crack it with the All Blacks but may have better luck with England, according to Peel, who told The Rugby Paper: “There’s no doubt Jason has the quality to play international rugby, the only question mark for me is when.
“Whether it’s too soon to consider him for the Six Nations considering he’s only been in the country a few weeks is for Eddie Jones to decide, but looking further ahead, perhaps to the tour of Argentina, he’ll be a real option for them.
“Jason’s got genuine Xfactor and he’s a real good communicator who wants to play every time he’s got the ball. People like that are BRISTOL backs coach Dwayne Peel reckons full-back sensation Jason Woodward can challenge Mike Brown for an England Test spot – if he maintains the form that has helped ignite his club’s Premiership campaign. priceless and what he’s done at Bristol has given the guys a real boost at a crucial time for us.”
Peel added: “We’re a side that really wants to have a go now and play from all areas of the park and Jason’s brought our wingers into the game.
“Tom Varndell’s been scoring tries and the more you get people like him, Jack Wallace and Thretton Palamo with ball in hand, the bigger threat they’ll be. Jason’s been brilliant at that and he’s a good guy who all the boys get on well with.”
Peel, meanwhile, has outlined his desire to carry on at Bristol despite the impending arrival of Pat Lam as director of rugby.
Still in the foothills of his coaching career after being forced to quit playing last summer, the former Wales, Lions, Scarlets and Sale No.9 has made a bold impression on a Bristol side that have notched ten tries in four top-flight games.
Peel, 35, said: “Coaching’s something I always wanted to do and I’ve loved every minute of this opportunity. It was disappointing to finish playing through injury but I love the day-today stuff and it’s been a really good transition.
“What happens this summer is out of our control, but Pat Lam has forged something special at Connacht and I’m sure the club are hoping he’ll do the same here, but we can’t afford to look too far ahead now.
“Games are coming thick and fast but if we can cement ourselves in the Premiership and grow from there, the potential for Bristol is huge. Over the next four or five years you could see us becoming a very competitive Premiership team. I’d love to be part of that but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Former All Blacks, Hurricanes, Blues and Western Force scrum-half Alby Mathewson, 31, has now arrived to reinforce Bristol’s survival bid.
Peel added: “Alby’s got experience and is a competitor. Being an All Black he’ll bring some additional leadership to the squad and although there’s lots of work to do, we’re competitive every week now.
“February’s a huge month with home games against Harlequins and Bath and visits to Leicester and Worcester, so there’s no hiding place.”