Blackett's backing for England pathway plan

LEE Blackett believes England Rugby have been meticulously developing its resources in a concerted effort to unearth a wealth of hidden gems and strengthen the national team's long-term future.

- By MARK STEVENS

Through a combination of elite academy systems, talent identification programmes, as well as investment in grassroots, the RFU has created a robust pathway designed to nurture the next generation of stars.

Premiership clubs and England's age-grade teams have played a crucial role in honing that young talent, ensuring that promising players receive the right coaching and the right exposure but, more importantly, they obtain the key ingredient of competitive experience as well.

The return of meaningful A fixtures at international level serves as that crucial stepping stone between club rugby and full honours, but equally offers an invaluable opportunity to assess depth, hone combinations, as well as fast-track the brightest of talents to the heights of stardom.