Haag to take over as England Under-20s head coach

For those who have not picked up this important rugby news, here is your chance to catch up now. For those who are unaware, Martin Haag is a St Ives man and played for St Ives. We extend our congratulations to him.

The following report is taken from www.rbs6nations.com/en/news/england

Haag will leave second-tier English side Nottingham to replace Jon Callard as head coach, and he comes with experience having previously being involved with the Red Rose's age grade sides. He will arrive in time to head up England's first home Under-20s World Rugby Championship in Manchester in June, working alongside recently appointed backs coach Rory Teague. England have suffered a disappointing Under-20s Six Nations campaign to date, with victory over Italy sandwiched by defeats to Scotland and Ireland. But Haag is looking forward to a bright future and has already helped nurture the careers of current internationals such as Courtney Lawes, Jamie George and Ben Youngs while within the age-group set-up.

And Haag said: "I'm delighted to be back at the RFU and working with the best young talent in this country and with their respective clubs. It is an exciting opportunity to be able to support them in their rugby journey and hopefully, along with the other coaches, help them shape their futures.

"A lot of good work has been done by those involved in the pathway over the years and I hope that by bringing the experience I've had as a player and coach I can continue that, mentoring and developing players to be the best they can be.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Nottingham and will miss those that make this club so special.

"There is great history there, a fantastic attitude to rugby and a real passion to succeed. I have learned a lot in my time with the club and I am a better coach for it. I feel lucky to have been involved during such an important and rewarding period for the Green and Whites."