Alan Coleman takes charge of his first full international match following on from his triple success with the NCL champions Leigh Miners Rangers.
Speaking from the English Lions base at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria Alan reflected what this means to him and his players.
“What a buzz this is,” he admitted.
“I am absolutely over the moon to be here in South Africa representing my country and I’m only the coach, the lads must feel bigger than me.”
“The lads have worked their socks off and have turned up to every session chomping at the bit,” he continued.
“It’s hard to contain a young set of lads and if their attitude to training converts on to the playing field we will not go wrong.”
Although Coleman is the head coach, his assistant, Paul Couch of Lock Lane, is also enjoying the task ahead.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for giving me this opportunity, I’m really enjoying do international rugby and I’m with a great coach in Alan.”
Couch is going to coach Castleford Under-19’s in the New Year and he is hoping he can catch the eye of some future talent.
“You never stop spotting talent and these kids still have a chance in the pro environment and if anyone stands out I’ll be having words to see if we can give them a go.”
The England Lions squad to play v South Africa Youth, kick off 7.00pm at Harlequins Rugby, Pretoria, is as follows:
TEAM
1 Tyler Spence (Wigan St Pats)
2 Joey Brady (Wigan St Jude’s)
3 Chester Butler (Siddal)
4 Callum king (West Hull)
5 Niall Allen (Thatto heath Crusaders)
6 Josh Mcdonald-Greenwood (Siddal)
7 Dom Wear (Kells)
8 Dan Fryer (Glasson Rangers)
9 Matty Henson (Egremont Rangers) Captain
10 Jed Carter (Skirlaugh Bulls)
11 Connor Ratcliffe (Leigh Miners Rangers)
12 Mark Nicholson (Leigh Miners Rangers)
13 Charlie Tomlinson (Wath Brow Hornets)
SUBS
14 Greg Howland (Wath Brow Hornets)
15 Jack Hazlewood (Skirlaugh Bulls)
16 Lewis Price (Lock Lane)
17 Adam Wilkes (Leigh East)