Stay updated on Fitz Harding as he leads the England A team in their international match against Spain. Follow all the latest news and insights on this exciting showdown!
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This Saturday, the England Men’s A team will face Spain at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, with kickoff set for 16:00 GMT. Head coach Mark Mapletoft has announced an exciting squad, led by Fitz Harding, a back-row talent from the Bristol Bears, who will captain the side.
This match represents a crucial opportunity for several players aiming to establish themselves on the international stage.
Harding’s appointment, just a week after his debut for the national team, underscores his potential and leadership qualities. Alongside him, several emerging talents will represent England for the first time, including Nathan Jibulu, Olamide Sodeke, and Nathan Michelow.
They are expected to play significant roles in the team’s performance against Los Leones.
Debutants and fresh faces
The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with first-time starts for players such as Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, George Hendy, Caolan Englefield, and Ben Bamber.
This match offers these athletes a unique chance to showcase their skills on an international platform and advance their rugby careers.
Building on past experiences
As the team prepares for this encounter, Mapletoft reflects on lessons learned from their previous outing against Bath. He emphasizes the importance of adapting and growing from each experience. “Our result in Bath has provided us with valuable insights that we will carry into this fresh challenge in Spain,” he noted. He expressed confidence in Harding’s leadership, highlighting the young captain’s inspirational role during training.
Support and development from the coaching staff
Mapletoft is supported by respected coaches from the England Rugby pathway, including Nathan Catt as Scrum Coach and Jonathan Pendlebury as U18 Men’s head coach. James Lightfoot Brown leads the attack, while Adam Powell and James Craig focus on defense and forwards, respectively. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the players’ skills and foster team cohesion.
A rare opportunity
Playing rugby in Spain presents a distinctive experience for these young athletes, who are eager to embrace the challenge. Mapletoft expressed gratitude towards Pablo Bouza and his team for facilitating this matchup, highlighting the excitement surrounding the contest. The match promises to be thrilling, showcasing young talent from both sides.
Fans can watch the action live on RugbyPass TV, allowing supporters to cheer on the England Men’s A team as they strive for victory in Valladolid. Mapletoft’s vision for this group is to not only compete but also to create lasting memories that will benefit the players’ development.
Match day squad details
The selected squad for the match against Spain reflects the depth of talent in English rugby. The matchday 23 includes players from various clubs, each bringing unique strengths to the team. For instance, Josh Hodge from Exeter Chiefs and Charlie Atkinson from Gloucester Rugby are among those set to participate.
As the match approaches, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets to witness this exciting fixture, which will highlight the players’ athleticism and passion for the game. With a combination of seasoned players and newcomers, this encounter promises to be a memorable showcase of English rugby.
