The Bath boys who sparked England’s backline into life

Speak to people close to Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson or George Ford and they all talk of ‘wow moments’.

Sat, 28 Feb, 2015 - 00:00
Julian Bennetts

For Bath first-team coach Neal Hatley it was when 14-year-old Watson demonstrated his footwork in an Academy training game.

For England U18 coach John Fletcher it was when Joseph lit up a tournament in Cornwall, playing a weekend of ‘superlative’ rugby.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Save €40 on an Annual Subscription.​

Continue reading within unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber benefits.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Ireland Men's Rugby Captain's Run Bok battle looms in background as Porter and Ireland battle Pumas
Jonathan Sexton and Andy Farrell 5/11/2026 Farrell’s chance to gauge how much Ireland have to do
Kyle Steyn during warm-up ahead of the game 17/10/2026 Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie are wing starters for Scotland against New Zealand
CourtsRugbyBathEnglandPlace: CornwallPlace: IrelandPlace: Aviva StadiumPlace: The RecPlace: WalesPlace: BathPlace: DublinPlace: CardiffPlace: EnglandPlace: TwickenhamPerson: Jonathan JosephPerson: Anthony WatsonPerson: George FordPerson: Neal HatleyPerson: WatsonPerson: John FletcherPerson: JosephPerson: Peter StringerPerson: Stuart LancasterPerson: FordPerson: MikePerson: IvanPerson: AnthonyPerson: HatleyPerson: Toby BoothPerson: JJPerson: AntPerson: GeorgePerson: StringerPerson: Johnny SextonEvent: Grand SlamOrganisation: BathOrganisation: EnglandOrganisation: England U18Organisation: LeicesterOrganisation: SaracensOrganisation: WaspsOrganisation: NorthamptonOrganisation: London IrishOrganisation: London Irish AcademyOrganisation: IrelandOrganisation: Cork Con
<p>Tadhg Furlong with Joe McCarthy, left, and Ryan Baird during an Ireland Rugby captain's run at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile</p>

S Donal Lenihan's Nations Championship talking points: crucial for Ireland to hit the ground running

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

Inside rugby

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited