Q. As Academy Manager, you must be delighted that Gloucester have the biggest contingent in the squad?
"I am, especially considering that last year we only had one or two. I'm very happy and I guess it's a reflection of the quality of player that we have coming through the Academy."
"When we've had players called up to the England U20 squad, they've stepped up and done a job. And I think that, when a few players from a particular club do that, the national coaches realise that something good is happening and take a closer look."
Q. Could you talk briefly about the five players involved?
"Shaun Knight is actually a year young so has done tremendously well. He's a big lad and an out and out tight head. He's very strong and has been working very hard on his overall fitness. He'll be a real asset."
"Dan Williams has stepped up this year. He's been involved either on the bench or playing in most of the U20 games. By his own admission, he may be a bench player in the tournament because he covers 4, 5, 6 and 8 which gives real versatility."
"Dave Lewis came up to us two years ago and has gone on to prove himself on the big stage in the Guinness Premiership. He kept his place in the first team squad until he got injured but he's back now although he needs a bit of rugby under his belt."
"Charlie Sharples is another who has forced his way into the first team set up and played well in a team which hasn't been scoring much including his first try for the club against Bath at Kingsholm."
"Henry Trinder can do some real damage in the tournament if all goes well. He's got pace, vision, good feet and he's physical. I can see him being one of the stars of the tournament."
Q. Playing out in Japan will be a tremendous experience for those lads?
"It will. They're going out 10 days early and it will be a challenge for them to get used to the climate and the food. But that applies to all the teams."
"It will be a great challenge and a great experience and they'll have to play well to go one better than last year's team who reached the final in South Wales."
Q. Finally, the main role of the Academy is to develop players for the first team squad. The production line seems to be working?
"It is and I think a lot of that is down to dual registration. Our players have been gaining experience playing for Cinderford and Moseley and then going on to first team level."
"I should also mention the relationship with Hartpury College. A number of the boys have been gaining valuable playing experience within the very successful Hartpury set up."
"This is reflected in their promotion to South West 2 and in their EDF and BUCS triumphs at Twickenham within the last week. Without the relationship and facilities that Hartpury College offers it would be a far more difficult task to produce such quality players."
"It seems to be working well and we all hope it continues."
