Chiefs’ new Brat pack have eyes on England

Dave Ewers knows time is running out for him to force his way into the England reckoning ahead of next year’s World Cup.
But Exeter‘s buccaneering back rower has vowed to bust a gut to attract the attention of head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Born in Zimbabwe but raised in Devon, Ewers has developed rapidly to become an integral member of the Chiefs starting XV. And a fine first full season was rewarded by England in June with 80 minutes against the Barbarians.
Ewers acquitted himself superbly against world-class operators like Juan Leguizamon and Mamuka Gorgodze, so much so that he now feels ready to challenge Ben Morgan and Billy Vunipola for an England spot.
“I really enjoyed last season and hopefully I can push on again now,” Ewers, 23, told The Rugby Paper. “With the World Cup coming up it’s an exciting time for English players and all you can do is put your hand up every week.
“There were a lot of new experiences for me last season, like playing in the Premiership consistently, breaking into the Saxons set-up, which was amazing, and then playing for England against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
“I couldn’t say I felt comfortable because the first time you play in an England jersey in front of 60,000 people against a World XV like that is a nerve-wracking experience.
“You’re playing against players you’ve only ever seen on TV but I loved every minute of it and felt I didn’t do too badly against them.”
On his immediate England chances, Ewers adds: “Guys like Ben Morgan and Billy Vunipola have been in the England set-up for a long time, but all I can do is play as well as I can for Exeter and then see what happens.
“As soon as I start worrying whether I’m in with a chance, my club form might dip, so I’m not trying to get caught up in it. I’m just working hard on my game and trying to improve, but if England happens I’ll be delighted.”
A No.8 by trade, Ewers is currently keeping England squad man Tom Johnson out of the Exeter side on the blindside flank as his burgeoning relationship with summer signing Thomas Waldrom continues to blossom.
“I honestly don’t mind where I play,” Ewers says. “At the moment I’m enjoying playing six and focusing on the things I do well, like ball-carrying and tackling, and I’m enjoying playing with Thomas Waldrom.
“I can learn a lot from him and his experiences with England and that can only help me in my desire to push on further.”
Ewers is one of five Exeter young guns currently pushing for England honours – a group that also includes five-times capped Jack Nowell, Sam Hill, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade, who signed a new contract last week.
Long-serving Chiefs wing Matt Jess describes having all five under lock and key as “fantastic news for Exeter” and sees no reason why they cannot push on.
Jess told TRP: “To see how far these guys have come is tremendous. With all five it’s been about grit and determination and seeing lads like Dave, Sladey and Nowellsy coming through to challenge for England is great for us.
“They’ve all done their time playing for Plymouth and Cornish Pirates in the Championship and have grown into the players they are now.
“It’s testament to our academy and to Rob Baxter and Ali Hepher for playing them, so I hope they can push on even further.”
Ewers is equally excited to be part of a Chiefs ‘brat pack’ that is going places, adding: “It can only be good for the club that we’ve come through together. Sam and Henry are playing really well, while Jack and Luke are on the way back, and it’s really exciting having a lot of young, English prospects at the club.
“We’ve known each other a long time and are used to playing with each other, so long may that continue and it would be great for us to reach the next level.
NEALE HARVEY