Bath lock Charlie Ewels says he’s ‘honoured’ to lead England A into action this week against Portugal.
The experienced forward, who was involved in the last England A squad back in 2016, will get his first taste of captaining an international side this Sunday, and he’s revealed the call actually came from Steve Borthwick.
“Steve asked me if I’d like to come down and lead it, and I was honoured to be asked,” he told Rugby Nause News. “It was an opportunity that I jumped at.”
Ewels is now the leader of an exciting group of young players, and he detailed how the week has been shaped around showcasing their talents.
“Most of the week has been getting organised, because there’s so much talent in the group. All we’ve needed is to put a few little frameworks and things in place so that people can go out there and show their talent.”
“We’ve said to them ‘there’s a reason that you’re sat in the room and now go and show that to us at the weekend’, and I’m just excited to get going.”
Charlie Ewels on what Steve Borthwick wants from him
Ewels is arguably the most experienced player in the fresh faced England A squad. He already has 30 caps to his name, and he has been involved with the main England squad this Six Nations.
He is yet to see any game time though, and he told Rugby Nause News this game gives him a chance to play some rugby.
“Steve said he just wants to see me play some rugby. This is the first time we’ve ever had the break for the Six Nations, normally you might go into camp and train with the guys and prepare the team and then go back and play with your club as the Premiership continues; but obviously this time it’s a little bit different.
“As it is, I’ve not actually played a match since the fourth round of Europe, it’s been five, six weeks now since I’ve played a game; so for me to push on and try and get myself into contention for that first team, he wanted to see me play some rugby.”
Ewels and the rest of the England A team now turn their attention to Portugal this Sunday at Welford Road. The game kicks off at 1pm, and will be broadcast live on the England YouTube channel.
