Eddie Jones has injected new life into England’s rugby team by assuring his young stars that if they’re good enough, they’re old enough.
London Irish duo Will Joseph and Henry Arundell were capped against Australia this summer whilst still teenagers.
Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet was handed his full debut in Brisbane at 21 and is now vying with Raffi Quirke, first blooded as a 20-year old, to start the autumn series this Sunday against Argentina.
With 310 days to the start of the World Cup Jones is placing no age restriction on selection as he strives to find a winning combination.
And according to Joseph, kid brother of Red Rose great Jonathan, that show of faith is empowering youngsters coming into camp.
The 20-year old centre said: “When I was selected for the Australia tour I came in with the mindset that I’m here to learn and to get better.
“But before we left Eddie spoke to me and Henry. He said ‘I know you’re down as apprentice players but if we think you’re good enough to play, you’ll play’.
“We took that as a huge vote of confidence. I remember thinking if Eddie has belief in me I should believe in myself.”
Jones was true to his word and his young guns rewarded his faith, helping England claim a come-from-behind series win.
Joseph recalled: “There was a big emphasis on that tour to make sure there wasn’t a divide between the older lads and the younger boys.
“A real emphasis on team cohesion and making sure we were all as one. That was beneficial for the young boys. It gave everyone the confidence to feel ‘I’m part of this’.
“Eddie wants us to contribute,” he added. “We all have different ideas and he wants to hear everyone’s. We’re all going to be out there together so everyone being able to speak and have a voice, it’s important.”
Few impressed Jones in Australia as much as Joseph, following in the footsteps of a brother 11 years his senior who won 54 caps in a career highlighted by a Grand Slam and two Six Nations hat-tricks.
“Will was outstanding,” said the Australian. “I was really pleased with the consistency of his performance.
“The way he has come back and been playing for London Irish, as a young kid, has also been outstanding.”
The face of England’s new youthful look is Marcus Smith and Joseph says seeing him boss games at just 23 is inspiring to them all.
“He’s taken a real leadership role in this group and how he wants us to play,” said the midfielder. “Everyone feels it when he’s excited. His enthusiasm is infectious.”
