Paver: Championship a great launchpad

ALAN Paver insists the Championship still remains the ‘perfect launchpad’ for young players and coaches to reach the very pinnacle of the modern-day game.

- MARK STEVENS

Now into his 23rd year at the Cornish Pirates, Paver knows better than most the quality that has been unearthed in the division over a great number of years.

As prolonged discussions between the RFU and the Championship clubs continue over the future funding for the Tier 2 competition, the 46-year-old is adamant that life just below the Premiership remains as vibrant as ever.

“There was a time when you wouldn’t see many coaches from the Championship move into the Premiership, but now you see it quite a lot,” said Paver. “Someone like Lee Blackett, Chris Morgan who was down with us, they are two that come to mind.

“The player route has been there for some time and the successes are clear to see. For so many people, the Championship is the perfect launchpad for them to cut their teeth at that level and go on to bigger and better things.