Haydn Thomas Gives England U20s Update

Exeter Chiefs senior coach Haydn Thomas has been enjoying time in the England U20s coaching set up during this year’s U20 Six Nations.

Thomas was called into the age-grade international set-up by Head Coach Mark Mapletoft to assist with the defensive set-up of the England team.

It is a great opportunity to develop his coaching techniques and one which the former Chiefs player is relishing.

“I joined up with England U20s this year as an attachment coach, focusing on coaching defence. Mark Mapletoft offered the role to me and Tony Rowe and Rob Baxter, along with the club, have kindly supported me to allow me to accept the opportunity.

“I did quite a bit of work with the team prior to the Six Nations tournament, and now I’ve done two weeks with them, and we’ve had two successful wins against Wales and Italy.

“I’m absolutely loving it – it’s been a really great experience for me. It’s a great opportunity to work with some really high achieving and talented individuals from around the country. It’s also a different programme that has allowed me to see different ways of doing things.”

England U20s have started their U20 Six Nations campaign strongly – with their two wins, they currently top the table on 10 points, though a similarly competitive Ireland side sit a single point behind in second place.

Also involved in the set-up with Thomas are Chiefs youngsters, lock Joe Bailey and back row Kane James. Both young forwards have been developing as part of the Chiefs pathway, integrating into Chiefs training sessions and Thomas sees this international recognition as a positive next step in their rugby journeys.

“I think Joe has got some stiff competition within the U20s squad, but I’d say he’s trained and played exceptionally well. He can be very proud of the performances he’s put in and he’s pushing very hard, so I think it won’t be long until he gets his opportunity because of how well he’s done.

“Kane made his debut against Wales this past weekend, and he’s done incredibly well. There’s competition for his role as well but he’s created an opportunity for himself, taken it and he’s pushed himself into the squad. He’s a very exciting young individual.

“It’s only Kane’s first year of U20s and Joe’s second year, so we’re absolutely delighted for both of them. It’s great exposure for them to be playing for their country and it’s also great for the Chiefs going forward as we have two very highly rated individuals coming through.”

As the U20s competition mirrors the Men’s tournament, the U20s next challenge will come in the form of a clash with fierce rivals Scotland in a week’s time.

While proudly representing the Chiefs on the age-grade international stage, the trio are also all involved in the Exeter University RFC programme.

Thomas has coached the BUCS Super Rugby side for several years while Bailey currently studies Sports Science at the university and James represents the university's National League Two side, though is due to join the university in the next academic year.

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