RFU defends age-group rugby stance

ENGLAND’S RFU have defended their position on age-group international rugby following Rob Andrew’s blast that England’s commitment is an “utterly pointless and an astronomical waste of money”.

Andrew was furious after England U21 medics failed to spot Newcastle prop David Wilson had suffered a fractured jaw in Friday’s victory over Ireland.

The Newcastle boss said it was “symptomatic of age-group rugby” in England and queried the benefit of having junior sides when players get better exposure in the Premiership.

RFU performance director Chris Spice confirmed England are trying to restructure the competitions - but stood by the union’s commitment.

“The Guinness Premiership is a fantastic environment to develop players but it does not replicate the intensity of, or preparation for, a test match,” Spice said.

“The format of representative rugby is being reviewed and we are talking with our Six Nations colleagues about restructuring the U18, U19 and U21 levels to U18 and U20 teams.”