Size no problem for elusive Kyle Eastmond

Kyle Eastmond is confident size will not count against him as he targets a place in England’s increasingly congested midfield.
The diminutive centre starred during last summer’s tour of Argentina but failed to gain Six Nations selection.
Despite a string of stand-out performances for Bath, boss Stuart Lancaster opted for bigger gain-line beasts, Billy Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell forming an effective pairing as England came close to winning the title.
Manu Tuilagi is fit again, thereby increasing competition, but former Rugby League man Eastmond said: “I’m not worried. Rugby’s not all about size and sometimes big men in midfield works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“Everyone’s got different attributes and hopefully I can keep adding skills to my game and do well for Bath and England. I don’t read anything into that size stuff.
“Obviously I wanted to play (in the Six Nations) but when you don’t, you have to take what you can out of the experiences. I’ve taken a lot from the last two months in camp with England, working with coaches like Mike Catt and training with some very good players.
“Confidence is high so hopefully we can build on that during the New Zealand tour. The important thing now is that we all maintain our performances for our clubs.”
Despite being a virtual ever present over the last two seasons, Bath head coach Mike Ford feels Eastmond has only just scratched the surface as far as his sumptuous playmaking and line-breaking abilities are concerned.
Eastmond agrees: “I think there’s a lot more improvement. With every game I’m getting more experience and it’s nice to be part of something pretty special at Bath.
“It’s obviously good that they’ve shown faith in me to start lots of games and the team are doing well around that, so I’m happy. But I never consider I’ve cracked Rugby Union or anything like that.”
Bath’s hopes of breaking into the Premiership‘s top four have been boosted by the success of George Ford. Eastmond, 24, the older by nearly four years, jokes: “He didn’t need me to look after him, his dad lives up the road!
“Maybe the fact we’re both from Oldham has made things easier in that we’re similar people, but he’s  playing some great stuff.”
Bath’s midfield options will increase when Sam Burgess joins from South Sydney and Eastmond cannot wait for the arrival of the League superstar he played with for England.
“Good player!” said Eastmond. “It was a shock when it was announced but it’s a great signing and he’s a really good lad as well. He’s got the right attitude and that’s what you need if you’re going to switch codes and do well.
“I played with Sam during all the England age grades – U13s, 14s and 15s – and then at senior level, so we’ve spent a lot of time in camps together and he’ll fit in well here.”
NEALE HARVEY