England U-20 Call for Rob

6th September 2007

CUMBRIA ’S Rob Miller has won his first call-up to the England Under-20s Rugby squad for this season’s international programme.

The former KeswickSchool pupil, from Bothel, was named in a 32-man squad to be coached by Nigel Redman and Mark Mapletoft. The Under-20s will play Six Nations games in February and March before travelling to the IRB Junior World Championships in Wales in June. Miller, who played senior rugby last season for Aspatria and Cumbria, was the number one fly-half and goal-kicker for England Under-18s on their summer tour to Australia. He has joined Newcastle Falcons as he prepares to start his studies in the north east. Head coach Redman's squad includes 19 survivors from the Under-19 pool that finished sixth at the IRB Under-19 World Championships in Belfast last season. And Miller is one of 12 players coming from the Under-18 side that won three of its four Six Nations Festival games before touring Australia. "I think we've got a good balance," said Redman, whose comments will encourage 18-year-old Miller. The former Bath, England and Lions lock added."It is important to look at who is coming through, what they can offer now and what we think they can offer in the future. "The talent in last year's Under-18 side will help us strengthen the back division. From nine to 15 we're looking for these younger players to come in and fight their way into the Test team.” England will be based at Gloucester for their two Six Nations home games against Wales and Ireland on February 1 and March 14. Meanwhile, the RFU Elite Rugby Department is employing a mental skills coach for the first time with the Under-20s. Matt Thombs, 29, joins the squad’s support team on a one-year consultancy basis which he will combine with his sports psychology teaching career at Liverpool Hope University.