Haydn Thomas Excited to Represent England with A Squad

Exeter Chiefs coach Haydn Thomas spearheads a group of four Chiefs involved in the England A set-up this week as Exeter continue to contribute to the international pathway.

While Thomas takes up the role of Defence Coach in Head Coach Lee Blackett’s back-room team, players Richard Capstick, Greg Fisilau and Josh Hodge vie for a red rose shirt.

“I’m incredibly excited for this block with the A squad. It’s a great honour to be part of helping to represent your country,” Thomas said.

“There’s been a couple of changes in the coaching group from the personnel we had in November [to face Portugal], but I’m looking forward to working with everyone and confronting a different challenge with a different set of coaches and players.”

The coaching group is comprised of coaches from three different Gallagher Premiership sides whilst the playing squad represents nine league sides. Thomas believes this will enable a melting pot of strategies and styles to come together throughout the week.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn because there’s so many different people coming from different club environments – that gives us so many ways of doing things. For example, how someone coaches and sets out the week may not look the exact same to your usual methods. It’s a great chance to listen, ask questions, and learn from other people.”

The three Chiefs chosen to be part of that environment have been consistent performers in what has been a turbulent season for the Exeter men. Thomas explains there is great pride amongst the Chiefs staff for the hard work of their players.

“We’re massively proud as a Chiefs coaching group of the three players we’ve had named in the squad. When you look at Richard, for example, he’s really kicked on this year whilst Greg has now been in and around the environment for a while.

“Josh has been injured as of late but up until then, he was having a good season, and he’s represented the A’s before as part of the England pathway. It’s brilliant to see these guys get the recognition. The more players we get in there, the better.”

In recent times, Chiefs representation has been noticeable throughout the England pathway. Players selected for U18s duty have progressed into becoming U20 World Championship winners in 2024. Now, in 2025, there are six players representing the U20s in their current Six Nations campaign.

“I think in the last couple of years, you can definitely see the contribution Chiefs have made to the age-grade set up,” Thomas said.

“That is now transferring through to the A squad with good representation. We’ve got lots of very good young players and this is the right opportunity for them.”

The chance this weekend is to impose themselves on the game against what is likely to be a strong Ireland A side at Ashton Gate. England Men’s selectors will surely be watching, and Thomas hopes the Chiefs involved will put their best performance on display.

“I’m expecting our players to jump into camp, grab the opportunity with both hands and be the best versions of themselves, to express themselves and be brave in order to make sure they leave the week thinking, ‘that was a true representation of what I can bring’.

“I think other players in the group will be the same, so I hope they all really enjoy the week. Hopefully they’ll learn a lot and, come gameday, they put their best performance in.

“Any time you go into a different environment is a good opportunity to learn. Something different always sparks things up, so it’ll be interesting to see these players come back into the Chiefs set-up after this week with the A squad.”