Will Collier (East 2009) has been named on the bench for the game between an England XV and the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday (June 1). Although there are no caps awarded for the match, Collier’s selection highlights how he is now in the reckoning for higher honours.
With England struggling to find good young props, Collier and Harlequins team-mate Kyle Sinckler are both set to impress on the big stage.
England XV coach Jon Callard is watching them closely.”It’s an interesting battle, again they’ve had the opportunity of tuition last week with the senior coaches where they’ve been under the watchful eye of Graham Rowntree. He’s obviously had an inkling of what he wants to go to New Zealand.
“Hopefully we’ll give both a chance in terms of game time; it isn’t winner takes all by any stretch of the imagination. The senior team will already have a certain eye of what they want in terms of who goes out next week.
“But for us it’s about those performing first and foremost for this team, and not worrying what the flight could be like on Monday.
“All that will take care of itself. It’s a fantastic opportunity for these players, right across the board.
“We’re now starting to get a real, strong pool of players, to the point where we could go five or six deep. It’s vitally important that all these players have a chance to make the New Zealand tour. Any one of these players could be on a plane next week.”
Callard praised Quins coach O’Shea for promoting Sinckler and Collier last summer rather than chasing another import when scrum cornerstone James Johnston signed for Saracens. “Conor has a fantastic coaching team around him, Tony Diprose, John Kingston in particular,” said Callard.”And with the front-row lads coming through, Rob Buchanan and Joe Gray, and Dave Ward has come through and been sensational this year too.
“So a lot of credit to Conor and his coaching team for what they’ve done there. And the proof’s in the pudding that they’ve had a great season. We’re getting better across the board, not just at tighthead.”