Sam Vesty Reflects on England A Pathway and Coaching Opportunities

Sam Vesty, the head coach of Northampton Saints, has offered insights into his playing career and the significance of the England A pathway ahead of the team’s upcoming fixture against Portugal. Vesty, who only made two senior international appearances for England, emphasized the importance of exposure at the A team level in developing players for Test rugby.

Reflecting on his own career, Vesty acknowledged that he might not be the best example of utilizing the England A representation to secure Test caps. Instead, he highlighted Phil Dowson, the Saints’ director of rugby, who amassed several appearances at the A level and went on to enjoy a more prolific international career.

With England assembling for their first A international since 2016, Vesty expressed enthusiasm about coaching at the representative level once again. Serving as the attack coach under George Skivington, Vesty sees this opportunity as a chance to work with talented young players and to contribute to their development.

Drawing from his experience coaching with Eddie Jones’ England during the 2017 tour to Argentina, Vesty emphasized the learning opportunities inherent in coaching at the international level. He expressed excitement about the challenges and the chance to work with future England stars.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fixture, Vesty emphasized the importance of simplicity and adaptability in the team’s approach. He stressed the need for players to keep their heads up and to focus on playing the game in front of them—an approach he hopes will resonate with the squad.

As England continues its journey in the Guinness Six Nations championship, Vesty noted the team’s efforts to evolve its attacking style. While acknowledging some challenges, he highlighted positive signs of growth and development in the team’s gameplay.

With the England A squad set to be supplemented by players from the Six Nations squad, anticipation is high for the match against Portugal. For Vesty, it’s not just about the outcome on the pitch but about the growth and learning experiences that come with representing England at any level of the game.