Jack takes on Japan in England colours

Massive congratulations to former Bideford RFC Colt Jack Cotgreave, now a rising star at Gloucester Rugby, for his selection in the England U19 squad that played against Japan U19s.

It has been an amazing journey for Jack, from the hallowed fields of Bideford to the international jersey, as Andy Titterrell, U19 Men’s head coach and U20 Men’s assistant coach, explained to the RFU website the motivations for fixture of this type.

He said: “It’s important to recognise our U19 programme as a vital development opportunity for those graduating from the U18 side with further international experience for the players. The U19s bridge the gap from the excellent work Jon [Pendlebury], Will [Parkin] and the U18 team do to feed into our programme to ensure maximum alignment in the Men’s Pathway. 

“These games serve a purpose in bringing through a new guard of talent to incorporate and complement our U20 squad ahead of a busy summer period and into a new campaign. All 15 players that started against Italy last year have now been named in our U20 EPS this season, for example, with six of them already achieving competitive U20 caps.”