Mike Ruddock believes his talented crop of young England players in the Worcester Warriors side are ‘maturing nicely’ – as they impressed the watching England hierarchy in the Friday night victory over Leeds Carnegie.
England coach John Wells was among the supporters at Sixways Stadium for the 27-7 victory that took Warriors to the top of the league going into the weekend games.
Ruddock later revealed England had also sent cameras to the game to watch players and believes his young guns would have impressed after playing key roles in the big win.
“We are very proud of these youngsters that are coming through, people like Tom Wood, Matt Mullan, Graham Kitchener when he came on,” said Director of Rugby Ruddock. “They are examples of guys who are really starting to mature for us now.
“We have a first class relationship with England. Martin Johnson has been down this summer with John Wells and Graham Rowntree and they have been asking about different players, Matt Mullan in particular, and watching them.”
Back row dynamo Tom Wood again shone for Warriors under the floodlights at Ruddock claimed on his form the flanker was displaying form that would make the England selectors sit up and take note.
“We have been very impressed with Woody and he is maturing nicely,” he added.
“Woody is carrying the ball now, something we have been asking him to do for a few years, because we know he can graft and do the hard yards, in and around the ruck and the contact area.
“He is showing up very well and taking the ball on, side stepping and accelerating away.
“In that sort of form he is going to put himself into contention for England Saxons honours.”